Dec 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka security forces are engaged in providing relief to the thousands of flood victims displaced in the most affected districts of Ampara, Batticoloa, Badulla, Jaffna, Pollonnaruwa, Matale and Ratnapura.

Sri Lanka government said nearly 40,000 persons have been displaced and over 200,000 people are affected by the floods. A large number of houses and property have been damaged. Several Hospitals had to be closed and bridges are submerged.

The Navy using their boats and divers are involved in rescue operations and relief work in Batticoloa, Panama, Potuvil and Kinnadi areas in the East. Also, two Navy groups are engaged in relief work in Anuradhapura and Kekirawa areas. The Navy has rescued eight people marooned in Devapura Wewa.

The Air Force has rescued 225 patients marooned in the Dambulla hospital and transported to Matale and Kurunagala. They have also provided food parcels to the displaced families Air Force planes and helicopters are on alert service to provide relief.

Meanwhile Army soldiers have come to the rescue of the displaced and prepared meals and later distributed dry rations through state officers to the flood victims.

The government has allocated 34 million rupees to provide for emergency needs of the flood victims. The District and Divisional Secretaries of the affected areas have been instructed to take whatever action necessary to protect the people.