A Sri Lankan rescue team left here early Sunday for Nepal to assist in rescue and relief operations following a deadly earthquake that left over 2,000 people dead and 5,000 others injured.

The Sri Lanka army said the first contingent included 44 military personnel and four civil medical consultants.

The full team will consist of 156 rescuers, including 14 sailors and 11 airmen plus civil consultants.

"Four sniffer dogs and a large stock of rescue equipment, urgent sanitary-ware, tools, tents, generators, medicine and dry rations also saw its passage in the first flight," the army said.

The Sri Lankan government said it was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to property caused by the earthquake in Nepal on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Ambassador W.M. Senevirathna said 120 Sri Lankan students at the Manipal University in Pokhara and around 20 Sri Lankans in Kathmandu were safe.

The Sri Lankans are to be brought back home by the planes taking relief supplies to Nepal.