The international community started sending ships, helicopters and aircraft with humanitarian aid along with rescue teams and medical staff to assist millions of Sri Lankans stranded following tsunami waves that hit the coasts of Sri Lanka, authoritative sources said Tuesday.
The Indian Government has promptly responded to the Sri Lankan Government's appeal for immediate assistance for rescue operations by taking steps to send six helicopters to assist Sri Lankan troops engaged in rescue operations.
Air Force Spokesman Group Captain Ajantha Silva said that 6 Indian helicopters were scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka to assist the Sri Lankan Air Force personnel engaged in rescue missions.
He said in addition to the helicopters, IL 76 aircraft with dry rations and drugs was also scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka from India Monday afternoon.
An Airbus from France was also scheduled to arrive at the Katunayake airport Tuesday morning along with a team of 100 medical staff and rescue teams, he added.
The US Embassy in Colombo announced Monday that the US Government has pledged US$100,000 for disaster relief following an official request made by the Government.
Japan has decided to immediately dispatch a 20 member-team consisting of doctors, nurses, paramedics a pharmacist as well as tents, medicine, water, sleeping bags.
Two Russian II-76 planes carrying 25 tons of humanitarian aid for victims were also scheduled to arrive in the country Monday afternoon. According to reports from Russia the humanitarian aid included tents and other emergency supplies, plus a helicopter and Russian rescue workers.
The Pakistani Government was also scheduled to send C 130 aircraft within this week along with relief goods worth US$333,000.
Navy Spokesman Commodore Jayantha Perera said India has already sent two Naval ships INS Sukanya and INS Sandesh to Trincomalee Monday morning with rescue workers, and humanitarian aid including drugs and food rations.