Modi condoles with Sri Lanka, sends emergency assistance

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent his condolences over the loss of lives due to inclement weather in Sri Lanka and has ordered urgent assistance to be sent to the country.

?Deepest condolences and sympathies at loss of lives in Sri Lanka due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister said.

He said that India stands resolutely to help the Government and people of Sri Lanka and assistance is being rushed on an emergency basis.

Defence Ministry sources said on Friday that two Naval ships, one Naval Off Shore Patrol (NOPV) INS Sunayna and one survey ship INS Sutlej, are being sent to Colombo from Southern Naval Command in Kochi.

?INS Sutlej has already embarked with relief material and INS Sunayana will leave shortly,? sources said.

An Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft is being sent from Palam Air Force station in Delhi with medicines, a water purification plant and tents.

?The C-17 is scheduled to take-off at 1500 hrs and will halt in Chennai to pick up tents and then proceed to Colombo,? one officer said.

Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster response Force (NDRF) will also be going in the aircraft, officials added.?(Colombo Gazette)