Investigation Launched into Ravana Ella Forest Reserve Arson

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said that an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the recent arson at the Ravana Ella Forest Reserve.

In a statement, Prof. Ranasinghe said, "As soon as we learned about the fire, we reached out to the Deputy Inspector General of Police. We made it clear that immediate action was needed, and we’ve instructed the police to begin an investigation to identify those responsible."

The Deputy Minister assured that the government is fully committed to holding those involved accountable as soon as possible.

Prof. Ranasinghe also expressed concern over the rising number of fires spreading across the mountains in Badulla, a situation worsened by the ongoing drought. In response to this growing issue, the government has developed a plan to transfer responsibility for protecting the mountain peaks to the Divisional Councils of the National People's Power.

The fire that broke out in the Ravana Ella Forest Reserve was doused on Saturday (15) morning after two days of intense firefighting efforts.

The fire erupted on February 13 at the Ella Gap viewpoint, a popular tourist spot, before spreading into the Ravana Ella Forest Reserve.