The Sri Lanka National team expressed their solidarity with the nation and donated Rs. 1 million to aid flood relief through Cricket Aid, the charity arm of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Funds are disbursed for potable water, medical supplies and other essentials. Immediate relief measures being coordinated, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

In a short message to the nation aired on television and via social media, captain Angelo Matthews expressed the distress of the national team, away in England and said “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the floods and landslides …. we love you all and our thoughts and prayers are with you” in the face of the widespread damage and loss of life and livelihood caused by the catastrophic and incessant rains. The team wore black armbands as they opened their tour yesterday in honour of those who have lost their lives.

Sri Lanka Cricket is collecting aid at its headquarters at Maitland Place, Colombo 7.