COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday instructed his government and rescue officials to provide immediate relief to the people affected by devastating floods and landslides as the death toll reached 55.

Sirisena who is currently on an official visit to Australia, said he was saddened at the loss of lives and those affected by the disaster.

The police said that at least 55 people had been killed and many were reported missing from the floods and several landslides which had been reported across the island country following 48 hours of raining.

Tri forces along with rescue teams were continuing emergency evacuations and rescue missions as people remained trapped in their homes due to rising water levels.

The Disaster Management Center has issued a major flood and landslides warnings in at least six districts. Enditem

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