The President, who is currently on an official visit to South Korea, had issued the instruction during phone conversations with the Disaster Management Minister and the Presidential Secretary this morning (30).

The President has instructed the relevant officials to carry out every necessary measure to provide immediate relief to the people affected by the inclement weather condition. 

He has also instructed to expedite search operations for missing fishermen who had set out to sea and have lost contact due to the prevailing weather. 

The government has decided to provide an initial financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to each family affected by the situation.

Meanwhile a special discussion is to be held later today (30), with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, to look into the relief efforts.