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.

The National Disaster Management Centre have reported that after days of rain, rivers on the island nation's southern and western plains overflowed during the weekend, inundating low-lying areas and forcing thousands into relief centers. More than 270,000 people have been affected and about 100,000 buildings lost power.

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.