A fire has been reported near the protected mountain range in the Panangala, Mathatil area of Bandarawela, resulting in the destruction of a significant portion of forest land.
Residents claim that authorities have failed to take adequate action to control the blaze. They warn that, following the fire, the risk of landslides in the area could increase during the rainy season due to soil erosion.
Local communities are urging authorities to take immediate measures to bring the fire under control and are calling for the intervention of political leaders to address the situation urgently.
