India hands over 10 Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka

A consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam aboard INS Gharial and was formally handed over at a ceremony held on 05 February 2026. The Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, handed over the consignment to the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

The bridges have been supplied under India’s grant assistance of USD 5 million for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, aimed at strengthening critical connectivity infrastructure in affected areas. Another consignment carrying the remaining components of the bridges is expected to arrive shortly. 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 following Cyclone Ditwah.

The newly supplied Bailey Bridges will be installed at various locations across the country. Technical assessments for their installation are currently being carried out by Indian Army engineers in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).

India had earlier supplied four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, with two installed in the Kilinochchi District and two on the Kandy–Ragala Road. These bridges have played a vital role in restoring connectivity in difficult and hilly terrain, improving access for local communities and supporting the resumption of essential services, livelihoods, and economic activity.

India reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience, and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted, and people-centric assistance.