The government of Sri Lanka said on Wednesday more than 21,715 people have been confirmed dead as rescue workers reported another 3,009 deaths from Sunday's earthquake-triggered tidal waves.
"We now have 21,715 people confirmed dead," said a social service officer attached to the state-run National Disaster Management Center.
He said more than 8,600 people also have been injured in the island nation which was the worst hit by the devastating tsunami, triggered by the most powerful quake in 40 years in the Indian Ocean on Sunday. The tremor sent high waves crashing onto Sri Lanka's eastern and southern shores.
The government put the country's death toll at 18,706 on Tuesday.