President extends sympathies to Pres Sirisena as Lanka faces its worst floods since 2003

President Abdulla Yameen has sent sympathy messages to both the President and Vice President of Sri Lanka, as the death toll increases following the devastating flooding and landslides in the country’s western and southern regions.

President Yameen sent sympathy messages to President Maithripala Sirisena and VP Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday, noting that he was "saddened to hear the news of the devastating flooding and landslides, causing the loss of lives, displacement of countless people and extensive damage to property and crucial infrastructure”.

“At this time of national distress, the government and the people of the Maldives join me in extending our profound sympathy to Your Excellency, the government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka, particularly to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the injured”, reads the President’s message.

President Yameen also wished him success “in the rescue and recovery efforts of those directly affected by this tragedy”.

Over 120 people have been killed in the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, with about half a million people displaced. Unusually heavy rain on Friday triggered a string of mudslides and caused rivers to burst their banks, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre.

As Sri Lanka faced its worst floods wince 2003, that claimed the lives of over 250 people and displaced half a million, it has appealed for international assistance in the recovery efforts. India was the first country to respond, and has dispatched three Navy ships with emergency supplies, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing to provide all necessary assistance in Lanka’s rescue and relief operations.