As Sri Lanka grapples with widespread destruction triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, former Sri Lanka cricketer Angelo Mathews has publicly expressed gratitude to India, Pakistan and other countries extending rescue and humanitarian aid. Mathews posted on X on Monday, acknowledging the life-saving efforts of armed forces working across devastated regions.
“A special thanks to all our armed forces for risking their lives to save all Sri Lankans who are affected and strangled,” he wrote. He further added, “Also a big thank you to Indian and Pakistani and all other armed forces trying to save lives in Sri Lanka risking their lives! All Sri Lankans truly appreciate your efforts.”
Cyclone Ditwah leaves trail of destruction
Sri Lanka has been battling heavy flooding, landslides and severe transport disruptions since Cyclone Ditwah slammed into the island mid-November. According to official figures, 334 people have died and 370 remain missing since November 16 due to extreme rainfall and weather-related calamities.
Rescue operations have been challenging, with many regions cut off due to inundated roads, collapsed bridges and isolated settlements.
India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu
India has played a major role in the ongoing relief efforts through Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28. The operation includes search and rescue missions, medical support and delivery of essential supplies.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has sent 53 tonnes of relief material via air and sea. The Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have deployed multiple assets, including Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters, assisting in evacuation and airlifting stranded individuals, including pregnant women, infants and those critically injured.
The MEA stated that over 150 people—Sri Lankan and foreign nationals—have been rescued through combined operations. Those rescued come from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
More than 2,000 stranded Indians have also been evacuated and returned home safely.
Pakistan and other nations extend support
Pakistan and several other countries have supplied specialised personnel and equipment to help in critical zones. Their teams have assisted with flood rescues, medical aid and temporary shelter management. Sri Lankan authorities say multinational assistance has significantly improved response capacity in areas that were unreachable through domestic efforts alone.
Appreciation from across the country
Mathews’ message resonated widely, with many Sri Lankans echoing his appreciation for international support during one of the worst weather disasters in recent years. Communities continue to rebuild even as search operations progress in isolated pockets of the island.
The Sri Lankan government has urged residents in flood-prone and landslide-risk areas to remain cautious, noting that unpredictable weather patterns may persist. Relief teams remain on high alert as they work to restore connectivity and deliver essentials to cut-off communities.
Mathews, who retired from Test cricket in June 2025, has been using social media to amplify appeals for assistance and highlight relief work across the island.