Ella Rock Forest reserve fire destroys 600 acres

Published

4 months ago

February 16, 2025

editor

The fire engulfing the Ella Rock forest reserve continued yesterday with more than 600 acres of a total extent of 4,447 acres, destroyed so far.

The fire had spread towards the Rawana falls on Friday night.

Winds and steep inclines are hampering efforts by the army, Forest Conservation and the fire services of the Bandarawela Municipal council.

Trees, reptiles and small animals have been destroyed in the fire. Monkeys were also severely affected.

Police warned that boulders could fall onto the main road.

Air Force helicopters were not called in to assist, unlike in previous years.

Prof Ruwan Ranasinghe, deputy minister of tourism, told the media that using helicopters has not been effective in controlling such fires in addition to the high cost involved.

He said NPP members in each of the divisions will be reined in to prevent such fires in future.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Lorry carrying explosives seized on Habarana-Trinco road

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

Police have seized a lorry transporting explosives along the Habarana-Trincomalee main road.

According to police, officers attached to the Hatharas Kotuwa Police had stopped and inspected the vehicle during a routine check, during which they discovered a bag containing C-4, a highly explosive substance, hidden beneath the dashboard near the driver’s seat.

The seized stock of explosives had weighed 156.07 grams.

The lorry driver was taken into custody.

BIZ

CAA warns of improperly labeled salt products

Published

6 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned to prosecute importers and retailers selling salt without proper labels, including missing manufacturer/importer info and retail price.

The public is advised not to buy such products, while distributors have urged to maintain valid invoices with supplier details or face legal consequences.

News

New Police Media Spokesman named

Published

6 hours ago

June 30, 2025

editor

The Police Media Division has announced that Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler has been named as the new Police Spokesperson, effective immediately.

ASP Wootler takes over the role from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga, who has been transferred to serve as the Officer-in-Charge of the Polonnaruwa Division.