Assistance has been sought from India to mobilise the aircraft on board the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is currently in Colombo, for rescue operations Defence Ministry Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha said.

Speaking during a special media briefing on the current disaster situation at the Defence Ministry, he said the response from India had been positive. However, due to adverse weather conditions, pilots are finding it difficult to launch the aircraft from Colombo.

He further said that a meeting with all foreign ambassadors and high commissioners will be held this evening to coordinate foreign aid.