Legal Action Against Those Setting Forest Fires

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Forest Conservation says legal action will be taken against individuals responsible for deliberately setting forest fires.The move comes amid a rise in reported forest fire incidents across the country.Director General of Forest Conservation Chandima Panakumbura said the highest number of forest fires has been reported from the Badulla, Monaragala, and Batticaloa districts.He urged the public to report anyone involved in setting forest fires by calling the 1995.Meanwhile, the Director General said steps are being taken to establish barriers to prevent fires to help contain the spread of forest fires.He further noted that this year's National Budget has allocated increased funding for forest protection and fire prevention measures.