Episcopal Relief and Development is assisting the Diocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka following heavy rainstorms and strong winds. At least 250 people have been killed and 200 others are missing. Thousands have been displaced from their homes. A cyclone hit the country on May 13 and persistent, heavy rain continues to fall over the central and southern portions of the country. Landslides and floods have submerged entire towns.

"Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed or severely damaged," reports the Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo. "We are distributing dry rations to individual families and putting up toilets and temporary shelters to house families."

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing shelter, food, dry rations, clothing, and medicine to victims of the storms. An emergency grant of $10,000 to the Diocese of Colombo will supply relief to people in affected areas. The Church of Ceylon will also help to resettle displaced families.