14 killed in Sri Lanka floods

COLOMBO: At least 14 people were killed in mudslides and floods in southern and central Sri Lanka on Friday, relief officials and police said.

The worst affected areas were the southern and central provinces where some 61,500 people were driven out of their homes following heavy flooding, they said.

Authorities have released Rs four million to provide immediate emergency relief to the flood victims.

Military helicopters were sent to evacuate some 500 people stranded in the island's south, officials said.