A major fire broke out in Kajeemawatta Flats in Thotalanga, according to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Fire Service Department.
The fire was reported at 7:29 p.m. tonight, and twelve fire-dousing trucks were dispatched to prevent it from spreading.
Meanwhile, the police stated that a fire destroyed more than fifty shacks.
At the time the news was delivered to the paper, according to the police, damage estimates were not available, but reports of casualties had been made.
Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed his secretary Saman Ekanayake to ensure that all aid is supplied to those affected by the fire. According to the President’s office, Mr. Wickremesinghe issued an order to prioritise women and children.
In addition, he directed that the security forces, health officials, and urban development authorities assist the victims.
The President had also instructed Mr. Ekanayake to immediately brief him on the situation.