Utmost effort is being put in by all those involved in relief operations; yet many affected areas are still in need of essential items. According to Government Agent (GA) Kilinochchi, Mr. T. Rasanayagam, 25 lorry loads of relief items have been sent by the government and another 15 lorry loads from NGOs and the private sector. "But there is a dire need for sleeping mats, water tanks, rice, flour, bed sheets in Kilinochchi," said Mr. Rasanayagam. Twenty two welfare centres have been set up, there is a task force that sees to the distribution of the relief items, and is chaired by the GA. "We work at the district and divisional levels, and people are working round the clock with total commitment." said Mr. Rasanayagam."

President Chandrika Kumaratunga briefed the foreign and local journalists yesterday on the government's plans to reconstruct the dilapidated infrastructure. "The reconstruction process of the Tsunami-hit areas would begin on January 15, all political parties and the LTTE would be involved," said the President.

The President expressed the view that this disaster is an opportunity to build trust between the Government and the LTTE. She invited Mr. S.P Thamilselvan, LTTE political wing leader to participate in the all party Special Task Force for Disaster Management.

Addressing the diplomatic corps, the President briefed the diplomatic representatives of foreign governments and international organisations on the government's efforts to provide relief to victims of the disaster. She outlined plans for future reconciliation efforts, seeking foreign assistance. The President also thanked all governments for their generous assistance in Sri Lanka's hour of need and condoled with those countries that had lost their own citizens in Sri Lanka at the time of the Tsunami.