"We are aware that the immediate priority would be the rescue operation," Kumaratunga said. "Our hopes are for the immediate success of this endeavour and for the speedy rescue of those who are missing.
"We continue to remember with deep gratitude the immediate and overwhelming abundant assistance rendered by India to Sri Lanka during the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster less than 10 months ago.
"We know that the government and people of India posses the national resolve and the capacities to afford generous solace to those affected by the earthquake while effectively commencing the task of reconstruction," she said. To Pakistan, Kumaratunga sent 100,000 dollars and a message to President Pervez Musharaff.