The minister says 18 major countries have already taken steps to provide assistance.

Meanwhile, the government of Israel has also handed over a stock of relief goods to the government. Israeli Ambassador to India and Sri Lanka Daniel Carmon who met Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake handed over the goods.

The Israeli Ambassador who extended sympathies of the Israeli government and its people over the destruction caused by the weather disaster to the affected families in Sri Lanka said that his country is ever ready to give Sri Lanka any support at any required time. Among the goods handed over to the government by Israel are, power generators and high powered electric lamps.

Addressing the media, Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that several countries have already provided relief assistance to the country following the inclement weather that hit some parts of the country.

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake further said that the government expects monetary assistance as well besides relief goods.