KILLING CYCLONE

At least eight people were killed in Sri Lanka and about half a million forced to evacuate their homes when a cyclone hit the northeastern parts of the island on December 26. The cyclone was accompanied with winds up to 145 kilometres per hour that uprooted trees and caused extensive damage to vehicles. "We need to mobilise our resources to help those who fled to safety from their homes to return," said Sunil Gamage, a government relief official.