US military lands in Jaffna

A US military flight landed at Jaffna International Airport earlier today, delivering a consignment of relief supplies for those affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Airport officials confirmed that the aid is intended to support recovery efforts in the northern region, which has been affected by the extreme weather, flooding and displacement that followed the cyclone’s landfall late last month.

Large parts of the Tamil homeland remain severely impacted, with thousands displaced, homes destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to stand with and support Sri Lanka during this challenging time,” Jaffna Airport said in a statement.

On Sunday, two C-130J Super Hercules and Airmen from the U.S. Air Force 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arrived at Sri Lanka’s Katunayake Air Base “to provide American airlift capability”.

“The United States is here to take on some heavy lifting—bringing American airlift and logistics muscle to push critical supplies into the hardest-hit areas so Sri Lanka’s frontline teams can stay focused on people, not transportation,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “The United States stands steadfast with Sri Lanka in this challenging time, committed to supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts.” 

Cyclone Ditwah has left hundreds dead and more than a million people affected across the island, with the North and central highlands suffering particularly severe damage. Tamil communities in the North-East have repeatedly raised concerns over delays in aid distribution and the lack of consistent state support, as recovery efforts continue unevenly across districts.

The United States shipment is among several international contributions that have begun to reach Sri Lanka in recent days, as humanitarian needs continue to outstrip local capacity amid an already fragile economic crisis.