Tony and Jennifer Hill say they witnessed terrifying scenes in Sri Lanka

Tony and Jennifer Hill from the Vale of Glamorgan say they are heartbroken to think of what has happened to friends they had made.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Association of south Wales is organising aid.

And Carmarthenshire artist Marianne Hancock is selling sketches of Sri Lanka to raise funds for victims.

Mr and Mrs Hill from Rhoose Point had become friendly with people in Marawila, Sri Lanka

It is hoped two sketches will raise money for Sri Lankan victims

In an emotional interview with BBC Wales, the couple said they had visited the area previously and had met a number of local people.

"On Christmas morning, the young pool lad took us to meet his parents in a little shack virtually on the beach. We shared fruit and coconuts," said Mr Hill.

"They are such wonderful people, and everything has gone, it's heartbreaking," he added.

Mrs Hill went on to say that there was one boy in particular whose family had come from a village to the south.

"He knew the village had gone, and he had no way of knowing whether his family were alive or not," she said.

The couple were ushered to the second floor of a building, where they watched as a wall of water swept over surrounding land. They were able to leave two days later.

Meanwhile the efforts to send aid to the stricken areas are gathering pace.

The Sri Lankan Association of south Wales was founded ten years ago and has about 50 members. It is working closely with the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society to provide food, clothing, and medication to victims of the disaster.

We will be collecting clothes, tinned food, medication, bottled water and blankets Ranjith Dodangoda

Ranjith Dodangoda past president and founding secretary of the association said, "Galle town is the main harbour and the town is densely populated. All the shops, buses, and Buddhist statues have been blown away.

"All the houses there have been washed out apart from one which was made of cement." he said.

Marianne Hancock sketched her pictures while on holiday in Sri Lanka

"The main problem at the moment is people want to help but organisation is needed.

"We are still organising so many things. We have a formal meeting tonight to discuss how the items are going to be shipped", he said.

"We will be collecting clothes, tinned food, medication, bottled water and blankets this Sunday at Wickes car park on Western Avenue in Cardiff."

Carmarthenshire based artist Marianne Thune Hancock is to sell two pictures she sketched while on holiday, and is hoping to donate the money raised to the Sri Lankan Association.

Ms Hancock, who lives in Meidrim, said, "I have always loved the Far East and have lived in Malaysia. I love the Sri Lankans they are wonderful people."

She is hoping each sketch will sell for at least �150. She has also designed a poster appealing for clothes, tinned food, and bed sheets.