Sri Lanka will provide US$1 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating floods and landslides that have caused loss of life, displacement and widespread destruction.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism announced on Thursday that President Anura Kumara Disanayaka had directed the Government to make the financial contribution in support of Nepal's humanitarian and relief efforts.
The assistance is intended to support immediate relief for communities affected by the disaster.
Sri Lanka expresses solidarity with Nepal
President Disanayaka expressed sorrow over the deaths and suffering caused by the disaster and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, particularly to families who had lost loved ones.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the President also referred to the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and Nepal and said Sri Lanka stood with the Nepalese people during the emergency.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath also spoke with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and conveyed Sri Lanka's condolences, support and solidarity.
The Sri Lankan Government said it would remain engaged with Nepal and continue considering ways to contribute to relief and recovery efforts.
Sri Lankans in Nepal
Separately, the Foreign Ministry has asked Sri Lankan nationals requiring assistance, and people seeking information about Sri Lankans who may have been affected, to contact the Ministry.
The notice specifically refers to Sri Lankan nationals who may have been affected by flash floods and mudslides in the Nepal-Tibet border area.
The Ministry said it remained engaged in obtaining information and providing necessary assistance to affected Sri Lankan nationals.
International relief effort grows
Sri Lanka's contribution forms part of a wider international response to the disaster.
Countries and international organisations have announced financial assistance, emergency supplies, medical support and disaster-response assistance to Nepal.
The humanitarian situation remains fluid, and casualty and missing-person figures may continue to change as rescue and recovery operations proceed.