Sri Lanka, Dec. 1 -- In the wake of massive floods that have ravaged one-third of the country, Sri Lanka requires Rs. 31 billion as of November 28 for the restoration of agriculture, irrigation tanks, and damaged canals, according to a communication from the Foreign Ministry.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the Ministry issued an appeal for international assistance. The government has requested Rs. 15 billion for the restoration of paddy lands and vegetable crops destroyed by heavy rains.

In addition, Rs. 4.8 billion is needed for the rehabilitation of minor irrigation tanks, Rs. 900 million for the repair of anicuts, Rs. 8.3 billion for minor irrigation systems, and Rs. 1.8 billion for irrigation canals.

As many as 510,000...