Tamil Nadu sends 950 tonnes of cyclone relief to Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday flagged off a massive consignment of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, which continues to reel from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

A total of 950 tonnes of essential relief materials were dispatched aboard two Indian Navy vessels from the Chennai and Thoothukudi ports, marking one of the largest single aid shipments sent by the state to an international disaster zone.

Cyclone Ditwah has left a trail of destruction across the island, claiming hundreds of lives, displacing large numbers of people, and causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the island. In response to the scale of the humanitarian crisis, the Tamil Nadu government mobilised urgent relief through multiple departments and coordinated closely with the Indian Navy to ensure rapid deployment.

At the Chennai port, Chief Minister Stalin flagged off a naval ship carrying 300 tonnes of sugar, 300 tonnes of pulses, 25 tonnes of milk powder, 5,000 dhotis, 5,000 sarees, 10,000 towels, 10,000 blankets, and 1,000 tarpaulins. Officials said these supplies were selected to meet the most urgent daily needs of families displaced and living in temporary shelters.

At the Thoothukudi port, another Navy vessel was simultaneously dispatched with 150 tonnes of sugar and 150 tonnes of dal, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s relief efforts.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring solidarity, the Chief Minister handed over a sample relief kit to Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner, Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, who expressed gratitude for Tamil Nadu’s swift and substantial assistance.

Senior officials and dignitaries were present at both ports to oversee the operation. Ministers P. K. Sekarbabu and S. M. Nasar, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, attended the Chennai dispatch. In Thoothukudi, Ministers P. Geetha Jeevan and Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, along with Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, were present.

Speaking at Thoothukudi, Minister Geetha Jeevan said that Cyclone Ditwah had caused widespread devastation across Sri Lanka. She added that, under the directive of Chief Minister Stalin, relief materials amounting to 945 metric tonnes and valued at ₹7.65 crore were being dispatched from Chennai and Thoothukudi combined. Of this, 300 metric tonnes of sugar, lentils, and milk powder were sent from the V. O. C. Port alone aboard three Navy vessels.

She was accompanied by I. M. S. Kattabomman Naval Officer Anil Kumar, Thoothukudi Mayor Jegan Periyasamy, and other officials during the dispatch.