SINGAPORE • Singapore said yesterday that it will contribute US$100,000 (S$138,000) in support of immediate relief efforts in Sri Lanka where hundreds of thousands of people were forced into shelters after major floods hit the island.

"The Singapore Government extends its condolences to the government and people of Sri Lanka over the loss of lives and unprecedented destruction caused by the floods and landslides over the past week," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"Singapore stands by Sri Lanka during this difficult period. Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has also written to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera to convey his condolences." The ministry said the funds will be channelled through the Singapore Red Cross (SRC).

In a separate statement on Monday, the SRC said the government contribution is part of the US$150,000 in humanitarian aid that it will send to help survivors of Cyclone Roanu in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the aid, a SRC team is also on standby to be deployed for relief work in the affected communities, it added.