At least twenty persons including 18 fishermen died while another 36 are reported missing at sea since yesterday after strong monsoon rains and wind lashed across the island.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development, Sarath Kumara Gunaratne stated that 36 boats had gone missing from Galle, Kalutara, Colombo and Negombo due to adverse weather and that 18 fishermen died while 36 are still missing.

Reports say that around 22 fishermen were rescued in around-the-clock operations carried out by the navy and air force and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals.

Ada Derana reporter said two more bodies were discovered this morning after they washed ashore at Balapitiya and Benthara beaches.

Rescue operations are expected to continue today, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, in search of persons still reported missing.

Ahungalla Police said 17 fishermen who had set sail from the Ahungalla area are still missing while Ambalangoda Police says they have received complaints stating that 3 fishermen who set out from near the Balapitiya Bridge have still not returned.

Another three fishermen from Modara are also reported missing at sea.  

Showery and windy conditions have reduced over the country, however the Met. Department says showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces.

Showers may extend to Puttalam and Kurunegala districts too. Southwest monsoon winds will strengthen (up to 60km/h) at times over the island, the Department of Meteorology said.