19 injured in Sri Lanka building collapse

At least 19 people have been injured after the collapse of a five-storey building under construction in Sri Lanka's capital.

Police spokesman Priyantha Jayakody said 19 people have been taken to hospital after the incident in Colombo.

Police and firefighters are searching for anyone who might be trapped inside the building.

The cause of the collapse is unknown at present.

Military spokesman Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne said soldiers are in contact with one person who was trapped.

He said the victim is unable to come out due to a concrete wall and soldiers are talking to him through a hole made through the concrete.

"He is safe and we are trying to rescue him," Brig Seneviratne said.