Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has toured areas affected by the tidal wave in the Southern Province to assess the situation, the presidential officesaid Thursday.

The president made her visit on Wednesday and she first went to Yodhakandiya in the Hambantota district, it said.

Kumaratunga met the affected people and made inquiries about the situation with regard to distribution of food and essential needs. She also discussed with the doctors who were there about the immediate medical needs and if the facilities already providedwere adequate and if there were any shortcomings.

President Kumaratunga told the affected people the government will provide housing to those who lost their dwellings. She also said in the future as a safety measure construction of houses would not be allowed in areas close to the sea coast.

President also visited the displaced now housed at Rahula Vidyalaya in Matara and inquired about their health.