Three Sri Lankan villages swallowed up by mudslides

Heavy rain has pounded the central Sri Lankan region where at least three villages have been swallowed up by mountains of mud, forcing soldiers and police to suspend rescue efforts.

At least 18 people are known to have been killed and hundreds are reported missing in the landslides so far.

Rescue work had resumed early in morning before fresh rains began in the area. Military spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said the army was assessing the situation and would deploy more troops in the worst-hit Kegalle district if needed.