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)
 

Police Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga announced on Saturday (15) that several criminals currently hiding in India will soon be extradited back to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media briefing, he revealed that out of 13 reported shootings this year, seven were linked to organized crime gangs, resulting in nine deaths and two injuries.

Authorities have arrested 30 individuals connected to these crimes and seized three T-56 rifles, five pistols, and four motorcycles used in the incidents. 

SSP Manatunga emphasized that efforts are ongoing to resolve the remaining cases and bring those responsible to justice.

“A program is in place to extradite criminals who have fled abroad, and those hiding in India are expected to be returned to Sri Lanka soon,” he stated. 

The announcement highlights the ongoing crackdown on organized crime and cross-border collaboration to ensure accountability.

The cousin of Puttalam District NPP Parliamentarian Mohamed Faisal has been remanded until February 17 by the Marawila Acting Magistrate following the fatal road accident.

The incident occurred yesterday (14) in Wennappuwa, when a vehicle belonging to MP Mohamed Faisal was involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

According to police reports, the accident took place in the Haldaduwana area of Koswatta while the vehicle was en route to Parliament.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the MP’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them shortly after the collision.

Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle was being driven by the parliamentarian’s cousin at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested by Koswatta Police and has now been remanded until February 17.

(adaderana.lk)
(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)