Several countries pledge disaster relief assistance

Members of the international community have pledged support to Sri Lanka following the disaster situation in the country.

Ambassadors of the United States of America and Japan and the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom met Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake yesterday in this regard.

Japanese Ambassador Kenachi Sugunuma who met the Foreign Minister this morning said the Government of Japan is ready to extend her assistance in different sectors.

He also said that steps will be taken rapidly to dispatch water filters and power generators to affected areas. 

Sugunuma further said that action has been taken to send a disaster relief expert team from Japan to Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of the United States of America Atul Keshap said that his country grieves with the families who have been affected by the inclement weather in Sri Lanka.

Keshap also said that his country is always ready to extend any support at the request of the Sri Lankan Government.

High Commissioner of the United Kingdom James Dauris said his country is ready to specially provide household utensils to be distributed among the weather affected families. Ambassador Dauris also extended sympathies of the people of Britain to the families who have been hit by extreme weather in Sri Lanka.

SAARC General Secretary Amjed Hussain B. Sial also extended the sympathies of the organisation to the weather hit families of the country.

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake praised the countries who came to assist Sri Lanka in this hour of need.