Nearly a million peoiple were affected by the floods in Sri Lanka

Torrential rains in the country's central and eastern districts claimed the lives of more than forty people and forced more than 350,000 to leave their homes.

The UN Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg who is in Sri Lanka said the floods were a tragic setback to people recovering from the 2004 tsunami and decades of civil war.

"I hope donors will respond rapidly to help the survivors of these devastating floods, which have hit many people who were desperately vulnerable to begin with," She said.

As the longer-term economic impact is also bound to be serious, assistance now will be crucial for the recovery effort that must follow UN Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg

The majority of the people affected are from eastern, northern and north-central districts and agricultural production is the main source of livelihood for these people.

"As the longer-term economic impact is also bound to be serious, assistance now will be crucial for the recovery effort that must follow."

This season’s paddy harvest is now severely damaged and will result in increased food insecurity in some areas.

Ms Bragg said the floods are a "tragic setback" for a community that is slowly rebuilding their lives following the 2004 tsunami and the decades-long military conflict.

"It is hard to comprehend how people can recover from yet another disaster, especially as they were at a stage where they had planted crops and had the possibility of a sustained livelihood," she added.