Good afternoon.
It is my great pleasure to welcome Mr. Shailesh Chandra MD & CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Mr. Chacko Thomas Tata Sons Chief Sustainability Officer and the distinguished Tata Group delegation to the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
In November 2025 Sri Lanka faced the country’s worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami, the Cyclone Ditwah which affected over 2.3 million people and caused immense loss of life and property. In response, the Government of Sri Lanka declared a nationwide emergency and mobilized relief efforts in collaboration with international partners and the private sector.
In the immediate aftermath of the devastating cyclone, India was one of the first responders launching Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025 to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to Sri Lanka.
Not too long after your group also reached out to us – I must mention here Mr. Shrirang Dhavale and Ms. Ipsita Das, who came over to meet with my team and me to understand how the group could also help us - and followed up with a visit to Sri Lanka and assess the needs.
At a critical juncture for my country, we deeply appreciate the Tata Group’s support and partnership through the ONE TATA Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah and Floods Response Programme). Your commitment is much appreciated. I would also like to thank Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC in Sri Lanka for their facilitation of this initiative on the ground.
This programme stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and India extend beyond mere diplomacy into moments of solidarity during difficult times, and importantly it is a crucial example of the impact which responsible corporate leadership can bring into rebuilding lives.
This initiative becomes more meaningful when situated in the context of Sri Lanka’s well-known resilience and the high premium placed on education. As you know Sri Lanka has the highest literacy for any South Asian country. It also has one of the highest indicators in the region for school attendance and retention. Given this national focus on education, the supply of essential learner kits to school children is particularly poignant and thoughtful.
On behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I extend sincere appreciation to the Tata Group for their generosity and solidarity. Your support brings hope and encouragement to thousands of children in Sri Lanka as they move forward with their education.
Thank you.