Srilanka, Dec. 1 -- Japan's assessment team which consists of medical professionals and JICA staff arrived in Colombo last night (30), and is in discussion with the Ministry of Health on where to deploy the incoming approx. 30 member Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team.

This morning, the Embassy and JICA held a kickoff meeting with the Ministry of Health's Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, attended by the Secretary of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, to plan next steps.

The team will meet with DPRD to receive briefings on the medical situation and begin their assessment.

In addition, Japan is providing emergency relief goods such as tents and blankets through JICA to assist affected communities. Japan is working to deliver the...