Sri Lanka on Wednesday pulled out of their cricket tour of New Zealand in the wake of the tsunami disaster that wreaked havoc across the South Asian countries including this island nation over the weekend.

Sri Lanka Cricket took the decision after discussions with its New Zealand counterpart. The boards have agreed to reschedule the tour "at an appropriate time in future."

"Taking into consideration the tsunami disaster Sri Lanka faces, Sri Lanka Cricket decided to cancel the ongoing tour of New Zealand," the Cricket Board said in a statement released in Colombo.

"The New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to reschedule the tour at some appropriate time in the future."

Also Read Australia help tsunami victims Murali misses tsunami narrowly! SL postpone under-19 tour to Pak Vote for the Best Cricketer 2004! Ranji Trophy 2004-05: Complete coverage

The statement said the players, after their return from New Zealand, would assist the Board in helping the disaster-hit people.

"The Sri Lankan cricketers have always stood by the people of this country in good times and bad times. The cancellation of this tour will enable the cricketers to help the board assist victims of the disaster."

Tsunamis have claimed more than 20,000 lives in Sri Lanka so far with coastal town of Galle and Trincomalee being most severely affected.