COLOMBO: At least six people were killed and 23 injured in heavy rain that lashed Sri Lanka, authorities said on Thursday.
The Disaster Management Centre said fatalities were reported from Galle, Gampaha and Badulla districts while severe destruction had been caused in several other areas across the country, reports Xinhua news agency.
The centre said since the water level in some of the major rivers, including Nilwala, Gin and Kalu, was rising due to the heavy rain people have been urged to move to higher ground.
The Meteorology Department said in its latest weather forecast that more heavy rain and strong winds were expected for the next few days.
The department warned fishermen against going out to sea.
"The depression in the south-west of Sri Lanka has developed into a deep depression and it is located 200 km away from Colombo. It is expected to develop further and move to the Arabian Sea area," the weather forecast said.
President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday ordered Sri Lankan forces to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the inclement weather.