SLAF helicopter deployed to douse forest fire in Hatton

Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lanka Air Force deployed a Bell 212 helicopter to assist in efforts to contain a fire in the Singamale forest reservation in Hatton. Sri Lanka Air Force spokesperson Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne said the helicopter was deployed from Ratmalana and is currently supporting ground forces to contain the fire which was first reported this morning. Authorities believe the first is the result of an act of arson. The Singamale forest reserve is home to many endemic animal and plant species.