India has significantly bolstered Sri Lanka's post-cyclone recovery efforts by inaugurating a crucial India-assisted Bailey Bridge, restoring vital connectivity in the island nation. The 100-foot bridge, located on the B-492 highway along the Kandy–Ragala Road, was opened for traffic on January 11, 2026, by India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, alongside Sri Lankan officials. This marks a significant milestone under India's comprehensive USD 450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka, which includes USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants. The construction of this Bailey Bridge was undertaken by the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force (specifically the 19 Engineer Regiment) as part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu,' India's immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) response to Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure, including bridges and roads. The newly commissioned bridge re-establishes a critical transport corridor between Sri Lanka's Central Province (Kandy) and Uva Province (Badulla), drastically reducing travel time from four hours to two hours. This improved connectivity is essential for the movement of essential goods, relief materials, and the return to normalcy for affected communities in the hilly regions. While this bridge is widely reported as a 'first' under the ongoing reconstruction package, it is important to note that a 120-foot Bailey Bridge was also jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the Kilinochchi District of the Northern Province on December 23, 2025, also as part of India's post-cyclone assistance. Nevertheless, the opening on the Kandy–Ragala Road underscores India's steadfast commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its role as a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. India has pledged to construct over 15 additional Bailey Bridges in the coming weeks to ensure comprehensive restoration of connectivity across all affected areas.