Supply of 10 Additional Bailey Bridges to Lanka

A consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam aboard INS Gharial.

The shipment was formally handed over on Thursday by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr Satyanjal Pandey, to the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

These 10 additional Bailey Bridges are being provided under India’s USD 5 million grant for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, further enhancing vital connectivity infrastructure in the affected regions.

This consignment will soon be followed by another carrying the remaining components. The supply of Bailey Bridges is part of the comprehensive USD 450 million Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Package announced by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.

The newly supplied Bailey Bridges will be installed at various locations nationwide.

Technical assessments for the installation are underway, conducted by Indian Army engineers in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).

It is worth noting that India previously provided four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, with two installed in the Kilinochchi District and the remaining two along the Kandy–Ragala Road.

The bridges have played a vital role in restoring connectivity across difficult and mountainous terrain, significantly enhancing local access and enabling the return of essential services, livelihoods, and economic activity.

India continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience, and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted, and people-focused assistance.