23 November 2024 12:00 am Views - 15
By Ranjith Rajapakse
A group of illicit gem miners in Maha Eliya Forest Reserve in Bogawantalawa was arrested and their tools and equipment seized by Meepilimana STF in Nuwara Eliya last morning.
Police said the suspects had caused extensive damage to the highly sensitive Maha Eliya environmental zone where Kehelgamu Oya feeding Castlereigh hydropower reservoir originates.
They said the suspects were handed over to Bogawantalawa Police for further action. An STF team under Commanding Officer of Meepilimana STF camp IP Ranjana had carried out the raid.