The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Tuesday (24) expressed gratitude to India for its continued assistance to Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery, while criticising the government for failing to secure a larger volume of support.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the SJB headquarters, Horana electorate organiser Charith Abeysinghe said Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit had resulted in a relief package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka.

He said the SJB appreciated India’s support in helping Sri Lanka recover from its economic collapse, noting that the neighbouring country had consistently extended substantial assistance to the island. Abeysinghe also recalled that a USD 4 billion credit line had previously been secured from India during the tenure of Basil Rajapaksa.

However, he claimed that the current National People’s Power (NPP) government had failed to obtain even the full extent of assistance India was prepared to offer. Of the USD 450 million package, Sri Lanka has received a USD 350 million credit line and a USD 100 million grant, he said.

Abeysinghe further stated that the relatively modest size of the assistance was due to the absence of a proper assessment of the damage caused by recent disasters. He said reports indicated that India had been willing to provide a significantly larger aid package, but Sri Lanka was unable to secure it due to the government’s lack of preparedness.