NEW DELHI: As Sri Lanka continues to deal with heavy flooding and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, former Sri Lanka cricketer Angelo Mathews has acknowledged the support coming from India, Pakistan and other countries. Mathews said the rescue efforts by armed forces working in affected areas had made a major difference as the country works through a severe crisis.Mathews posted on X thanking those involved in the operations.“A special thanks to all our armed forces for risking their lives to save all Sri Lankans who are affected and strangled,” Mathews said. He added, “Also a big thank you to Indian and Pakistani and all other armed forces trying to save lives in Sri Lanka risking their lives! All Sri Lankans truly appreciate your efforts.”Cyclone Ditwah has led to flooding, loss of life and transport disruptions. India began Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to provide search and rescue support and humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. The assistance has been delivered through both sea and air using Indian Air Force aircraft and naval vessels.According to the government, 53 tonnes of relief material have been sent since November 28, and more than 2,000 stranded Indians have returned from Sri Lanka.The ministry of external affairs said on Monday, “NDRF teams continue to carry out search and rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing.”The MEA said that, with support from the Sri Lanka Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the IAF carried out missions to airlift stranded people, including pregnant women, infants and those injured.“Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh,” the MEA said.As of Sunday, Sri Lanka has reported 334 deaths and 370 missing due to floods and landslides linked to extreme weather since November 16.Mathews retired from Test cricket in June this year.