Bush also inquired as to how the United States could be of assistance during the talks, said the release.

President Kumaratunga thanked Bush for the US assistance already received and briefed him on the scale of the damage and havoc.

She briefed Bush on the specific and immediate needs of the country and explained to him her plans for rehabilitation and reconstruction both in the short and long term.

The president said the damaged infrastructure needed to be put in place urgently and that overseas assistance would be welcome. She told Bush that she has already established a task force for this purpose.

Immediately after his conversation with President Kumaratunga and other leaders of the affected countries, Bush said he felt theenormity of the calamity suffered by the Asian region, "These pastfew days have brought loss and grief to the world that is beyond our comprehension."

"The United States will continue to stand with the affected governments as they care for the victims. We will stand with them as they start to rebuild their communities. I assure those leadersthat this is just only the beginning of our help," he said.