Death toll due to heavy rain, floods and landslide in Sri Lanka has gone up to eight, with over 38,000 people affected. Torrential rains and flash floods had wreaked havoc in the country on May 15.

Schools and educational institutes have been closed this week in several areas. Armed forces have also been kept on standby for relief and rescue operations.

President Maithripala Sirisena has directed authorities to provide immediate relief to the affected.

15 of the 25 districts have been affected, informed the Disaster Management Centre. Similar conditions are expected to prevail in the next few days, said the meteorological department.

(With inputs from AIR)