COLOMBO: At least seven people were killed and 23 injured when strong winds and heavy rains lashed Sri Lanka since Wednesday night, prompting authorities to issue a severe weather alert. The Disaster Management Centre said the fatalities had been reported from Galle, Gampaha and Badulla Districts while severe destruction had been caused in several areas across the country. The centre said since water levels in some of the major rivers, including Nilwala, Gin and Kalu rivers, were rising due to heavy rains, people had been urged to move to higher grounds. The police and relief teams had been advised to be on alert and help those who had been stranded or affected by the adverse weather. The Meteorology Department said in its latest weather forecast that more heavy rains and gusty strong winds could be expected over the island, and heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas could also be expected further in the deep and shallow sea areas around the island too. Published in Daily Times, December 1st 2017.