Sri Lanka, Dec. 9 -- Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, has called for urgent international assistance to support Sri Lanka's relief and reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Speaking during an interview at the Al Jazeera Media Network headquarters in Doha, Dr. Fernando highlighted the government's rapid response to the disaster, noting that military, police, and relief teams were quickly deployed to rescue affected communities and provide essential aid. He said protective centres were established for displaced families, and search and rescue operations were conducted despite challenges posed by flooding, landslides, and damaged infrastructure....