The controversy erupted after the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo shared images of the aid on November 30. Social media users quickly pointed out the expiry labels visible on several packets, prompting widespread outrage. As of now, the Pakistan government has not issued an official clarification.
Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst natural disasters in two decades. Authorities have confirmed at least 390 deaths, while 370 people remain missing. Over 1.1 million people have been affected by massive flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, and nearly 200,000 residents have been forced into temporary shelters.
The storm, named by Yemen, is the fourth major cyclone of the 2025 North Indian Ocean season and the most destructive to hit Sri Lanka in 20 years. It formed off the island’s southeastern coast on November 26 before intensifying rapidly.
Amid the ongoing crisis, India granted Pakistan permission to send relief material to Sri Lanka via Indian airspace. New Delhi cleared the overflight request within four hours on Monday, despite airspace restrictions imposed earlier this year following the Pahalgam terror attack. Officials described the clearance as a “humanitarian” decision.
Separately, India has launched a major relief operation under Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending 53 tonnes of assistance, including emergency rations, tents, blankets, hygiene kits, medicines, and surgical supplies. Two Indian Navy ships have already delivered 9.5 tonnes in Colombo, while three Indian Air Force aircraft are transporting an additional 31.5 tonnes. A five-member medical team and an 80-member NDRF contingent have also been deployed.
As Sri Lanka continues rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the controversy over Pakistan’s expired supplies has added a diplomatic layer to an already sensitive humanitarian crisis.
