Illicit gem miners arrested in Maha Eliya reserve

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.