COLOMBO, Jan. 17 -- The Chinese government has donated 3 million U.S. dollars to the flood relief efforts in Sri Lanka, an official said on Friday.

"China and Sri Lanka are good friends and neighbors. The Chinese government is committed to supporting the Sri Lankan people and government," said Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy Ren Faqiang.

Torrential rains triggered floods in late December that swept over many parts of the island nation, killing over 30.

State-run Disaster Management Center said nearly 800,000 people were affected while about 80,000 displaced people had to be housed in shelters.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who was sworn in on Jan. 9, appointed a 27-member cabinet earlier this week with Public Peace, Disaster Management and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga assuming duties on Friday.

"We must work to be prepared for disasters of this magnitude. I thank the Chinese government for its assistance and continued support in Sri Lanka's times of need," Amaratunga said during his first speech as minister.