India Sends Sniffer Dogs, 80 Rescuers, and More Aid

COLOMBO (News 1st); An Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 aircraft touched down in Sri Lanka today (29), carrying a formidable team of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel—including four women officers—alongside four highly trained sniffer dogs, disaster relief supplies, and advanced rescue equipment.

This deployment marks a significant boost to ongoing relief operations in the island nation, underscoring India’s rapid and robust humanitarian response.

Earlier in the day, an IAF C-130 aircraft delivered critical disaster relief supplies from the Government of India to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The aid was officially handed over by Maitrey Kulkarni, Counsellor for Development Cooperation at the High Commission of India, and Lt. Col. Mandeep Singh Negi, Assistant Defence Adviser. Receiving the consignment on behalf of Sri Lanka was Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The twin operations highlight the depth of Indo-Lanka cooperation during times of crisis, with India mobilizing both manpower and material to assist its neighbor.

The arrival of specialized NDRF teams and equipment is expected to accelerate rescue and relief efforts, offering hope to communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.