At least 80 houses – most of them built with planks and tin-sheets were completely destroyed in a fire at Kajeemawatta, Thotalanga in the Grandpass Police area, Police said. At least 220 people have been displaced due to the fire and are currently sheltered in temporary homes.
Thirteen fire engines called in from various stations within the city battled the fire for more than two hours before they brought it under control without any casualties. The belongings of many of the families were destroyed in the fire.
The President’s office said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President's Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire.
Meanwhile, Police said they were investigating whether the fire had been caused by one of the rival groups. (Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara)
A Thai woman walking topless in Arugam Bay town has been arrested by the Police.
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal for Sri Lankans overseas to apply for their passports through an online system via the Lankan diplomatic missions.
Villagers in Nirmalapura, Daluwa, Norochcholai today staged a protest over an incident where a group of Navy officials and sailors had assaulted a resident in the area over night, Police said.
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