Rain, floods kill at least 17 in Sri Lanka

Heavy rain has lashed Sri Lanka, triggering floods and landslides that have killed at least 17 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes.

After days of rain, rivers on the island nation's southern and western plains overflowed on the weekend, inundating low-lying areas and forcing thousands into relief centres.

"Water levels are receding but landslide warnings are still in place in 10 districts," Pradeep Kodippili, assistant director of the National Disaster Management Centre, said in a statement on Monday.

More than 270,000 people have been affected and about 100,000 buildings lost power, he added.

Meteorological department director-general Athula Karunanayake said rainfall levels are expected to reduce but continue intermittently in some areas.

The natural disaster comes as Sri Lanka is hoping to ease restrictions to tackle the novel coronavirus.

A month-long lockdown to fight a third wave of infections is due to end on June 14.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector has been badly hit by the pandemic.