A number of schools surrounding the Wedihitikanda Forest Reserve in Kataragama were closed down temporarily following a fire that broke out in the garbage dump located inside the Forest Reserve.
The Divisional Secretary of Kataragama said the smoke from the fire poses serious issues to the children in surrounding schools and thereby a decision was made.
He went on to note, an unidentified group had set fire to the garbage dump last night and measures were taken to contain the fire.
