Five apprehended by STF for deforestation

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Special Task Force (STF) has arrested five suspects who were clearing a forest reserve in Nambamkulam area yesterday (01).

This was during the raids conducted by the STF in Omanthai, Nambamkulam and Kadasuridugama areas in Kataragama.

Police said that three persons were arrested in the Omanthai Nambamkulam area for using a backhoe in a forest reserve.

The suspects, aged 28, 29 and 70 have been identified as residents of Vavuniya and Omanthai areas.

Meanwhile, two suspects who were clearing a Government land without permission have been arrested in the Kadasuridugama area in Kataragama yesterday (01).

Police said the suspects were identified as 31 and 43 years old.