35 Tons of Aid Arrives Aboard Ilyushin IL-76

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts after the devastating Cyclone Ditwah received a major boost today as 35 metric tons of Russian humanitarian aid arrived at Katunayake International Airport.

The shipment was officially welcomed by Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, and Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dzhagaryan emphasized the enduring ties between the two nations:

“This delivery is a reflection of long-term friendly relations between Russia and Sri Lanka and reaffirms Moscow's commitment to support countries in a difficult humanitarian situation.”

The aid, transported by an EMERCOM aircraft from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, includes:

✅ A movable 60 kW electric power station

✅ Pumping equipment for water drainage

✅ Summer tents (10-person capacity)

✅ Food supplies: sugar, vegetable oil, and rice

The consignment will be distributed among the most affected regions, providing critical relief to families struggling to rebuild their lives.