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Messages of condolence on floods

US Ambassador Ashley Wills

The Ambassador of the United States of America E. Ashley Wills in a message to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe states;

My government is deeply saddened by the loss of life and the plight of thousands of displaced Sri Lankan families in the Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces of Sri Lanka. The United States Government joins the international community in expressing our concern for the victims of this disaster and to pledge our assistance to the relief efforts.

On behalf of the United States Government, I am pleased to donate US$50,000 as part of our initial response to mitigate the effects and assist victims of this disaster within the most affected areas. This assistance is intended to save lives and reduce human suffering. To this end, these funds will be utilised to provide emergency relief materials including water purification kits, sleeping mats, essential clothing, and cooking sets in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.

Within the next 36 hours, the Regional Advisor from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) will arrive in Sri Lanka to participate in a joint assessment of the most affected areas. The United States Government stands ready to assist Sri Lanka should further assistance be necessary and appropriate."

Australian HC David Binns

Australia's High commissioner in Sri Lanka, David Binns in a message to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe states - I am pleased to advise that Australia will provide A $100,000 in immediate emergency relief to Sri Lanka in response to the floods that are currently affecting the country, The funding will be provided to the Sri Lankan Red Cross for items such as food, medical supplies, clean drinking water and tents.

I have been advised that further Australian assistance will be considered when the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences, and those of my Government, to those Sri Lankans who have lost family members in this disaster.

Please accept, Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration."

Minister at Commonwealth Office

Mike O'Brien, Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in a message to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said: "Having visited Sri Lanka in January, it came as a particular shock to me to learn of the terrible flooding which has afflicted the southern part of the Island and taken so many lives and left so many homeless. Please accept my condolences. Our thoughts are with those who have been bereaved and those who are suffering as a result of this natural disaster.

The UK Department for International Development has indicated that it is ready to provide emergency relief assistance".

Chinese Premier expresses sympathy for flood victims

The Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao has sent a letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressing sympathy for the people being affected by floods and landslides.

In his letter, the Chinese Premier states:

"I am shocked to learn that the South and Southwest of Sri Lanka were struck by floods and landslides recently, which caused great loss of lives and property, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and Chinese people as well as in my own name, our sympathy to Your Excellency and, through Your Excellency, the people being directly affected. Please also convey our condolences to the members of the bereaved families.

I believe that, under the leadership of Your Excellency and the Sri Lankan Government, the people in the afflicted areas will overcome difficulties and rebuilt their homeland soon."

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