Sunday, December 26 2004 13:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Expressing sincere condolence to the families of those who have been affected by the earthquake and tidal waves in Bay of Bengal, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Dec 26, 2004) offered all assistance to Sri Lanka for rescue and relief operations, a PMO (Prime Ministers Office) spokesperson said.

Singh has offered all assistance to Sri Lanka, including support from the Indian Navy for rescue and relief operations, he said.

The Prime Minister has asked Union Ministers Mani Shankar Aiyar and Dayanidhi Maran to visit the affected areas and assist in the rescue and relief work, the spokesman said.

"We do not have much information except the fact that there has been 46 confirmed deaths and considerable damage. I am leaving at 14: 00 hrs (IST) to oversee rescue and relief operations," Aiyar, who was made Prime Minister's special emissary to visit Tamil Nadu, said.