With India maintaining its airspace closure to Pakistani aircraft, Pakistan Navy Ship PNS SAIF has become a critical lifeline for Sri Lanka’s flood-ravaged communities, establishing a sea-to-shore airbridge to deliver emergency humanitarian aid and conduct search-and-rescue operations following Cyclone Ditwah.
Originally in Colombo for International Fleet Review-25 and the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations, PNS SAIF immediately pivoted to full-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) when the cyclone struck last week. While other foreign naval units departed after IFR-25 concluded, PNS SAIF remained in Sri Lankan waters at the explicit request of Colombo authorities.
Following #India blocking the air route for Pak aircraft, the #Pakistan Navy has stepped in with an alternative solution, with the supply of emergency Humanitarian Relief goods
PNS SAIF continues HADR and Search & Rescue Operations in Sri Lanka following Cyclone DITWAH.… pic.twitter.com/i39R0jxBIb
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 2, 2025
Over the past three days, the ship’s helicopters have flown continuous sorties under challenging weather conditions, delivering:
- Ration packs and bottled water
- Essential relief items and medical supplies
- Conducting SAR missions in severely inundated areas including Gampaha, Kaduwela, Arachchikattuwa, and Kelaniya
Harbour infrastructure damage prevented safe helicopter operations from port, forcing PNS SAIF to relocate offshore and launch flights from the ship’s deck to Ratmalana Airfield — creating an improvised but highly effective air corridor bypassing the blocked northern overland route.
Commanding Officer PNS SAIF stated: “Pakistan Navy stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters. We will remain on station and continue operations for as long as required.”
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The Pakistan Navy’s swift adaptation has been widely praised by Sri Lankan authorities amid mounting criticism of the national response, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling the flooding the “largest natural disaster in our history.”
Pakistan Navy reaffirms its commitment to provide sustained HADR and SAR support until normalcy returns, underscoring the deep fraternal bonds between the two nations.
