The body of a young man, believed to be about 20-years-old, was uncovered from the rubble of the building that collapsed in Wellawatte on Thursday.

On Thursday (18) morning, at around 10.35, a seven storey building part of the ‘Excellency’ reception hall collapsed without warning trapping several people inside.

The Fire brigade and the Sri Lanka Army responded immediately to dig out survivors despite the inclement weather.

Twenty-three people were rescued from the building and rushed to the Kalubowila and Colombo National hospitals.

One succumbed to his injuries while at hospital while rescuers continued searching for one other missing person, whose body was recovered this evening.