Sri Lanka, Jan. 23 -- The government's Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, established to support recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, has received over Rs. 8.5 billion from local businesses and the public, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said.

He said international assistance has also increased, with foreign contributions now exceeding USD 9.49 million.

The United States is among the largest donors, contributing more than Rs. 1 billion, Dr. Suriyapperuma noted.

Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bhutan, Italy and South Korea are the top ten foreign contributors to the fund.

Altogether, 47 countries have provided financial support for Sri Lanka's post-cyclone r...