The death toll from strong winds and monsoon rains across Sri Lanka's coastal areas has risen to 27, while another 29 fishermen are missing, the government says.

The navy was searching for the fishermen and more than 32 boats that are missing since heavy monsoon rains and winds hit early yesterday, said Pradeep Kodippili, a spokesman for the government's disaster management centre.

Twenty-six fishermen have been killed, while another person died after being crushed by a fallen tree. Another 35 fishermen have been injured.

The meteorology department has issued a warning of bad weather with strong winds because of the south-west monsoon.

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