India sends three Navy ships to assist Lanka in relief operations

Colombo [Sri Lanka], May 27 (ANI): As catastrophic landslides and floods hit Sri Lanka, Colombo on Saturday received Indian Naval Ship INS Kirch with relief items.

The ship was received by Indian High Commissioner to Colombo Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

"On directive of @narendramodi last night, INS Kirch arrives in #SriLanka with relief material and rescue and medical teams today morning (Sic)," tweeted the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

India has dispatched three Navy ships to help the massive rescue and relief operations launched by the island nation's tri forces.

"Foreign Min @RavikOfficial received relief assistance. #India stands by #SriLanka in this hour of need. INS Jalashwa & INS Shardul coming," the High Commission said in another tweet.

The INS Shardul with medical relief kits and diving teams and INS Jalashwa carrying victualing, clothing, medicines and water will also soon reach Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka tri-forces personnel including more than 1000 Army troops are currently engaged in the rescue and relief operations in coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), District and Divisional Secretariats, Police and other authorities in flood-affected areas.

Floods and landslides fueled by torrential rains have so far left 91 people dead and another 110 missing.

-ANI