Forest Fires Rise: Officials Allege Arson

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Pollonaruwa District office of the Disaster Management Center of Sri Lanka says that fires have been reported in the Habarana, Welimada, Medirigiriya areas including the Minneriya Forest Reserve as well. 

Assistant Director of the District for the Disaster Management Center Ranjith Alahakoon says that blazes were witnessed in around 500 acres of land area.

He alleges the motive for the fire could be arson, committed by those engaged in hunting animals. 

In accordance with the situation that has arisen, Alahakoon says that there is no ample logistical support to curb the blazes.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Center of the Badulla District says that the motive of individuals setting fire to the forest areas is due to the prevailing dry weather conditions.

Deputy Director E. M. L. Udaya Kumara says that it has become difficult to control such cases of arson due to the lack of support from the people.

Speaking to News 1st the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation says that the amount of arson cases have intensified in this regard.