The Sri Lankan Red Cross supported by the international federation has launched an appeal for 103,000 U.S. dollar support and assistance to the flood victims.

The Sri Lankan government earlier appealed for public help to assist over 850,000 flood refugees.

"This initial appeal will support our emergency response", said Tissa Abeywickrema, the Sri Lankan Red Cross chief.

Flood victims are in need of drinking water, mats, bed sheets, clothing and milk food for children, a government release said.

Continuous rains and bad weather condition in many parts of the island have claimed at least 13 lives and affected 228,000 families, the National Disaster Management Center said.

More than 5,600 houses were destroyed or damaged due to torrential rains and strong winds. Some 127,000 persons were located in more than 350 refugee camps.