Tortoise dies after being hit by vehicle

A large tortoise had been killed after it was hit by a moving vehicle outside the Speaker's official residence in Parliyament Road yesterday.

The animal had come out from the Diyawanna Lake during the rains. It had hit the pavement after being hit by the vehicle.

The wildlife officers of Aththidiya had taken away the poor reptile for treatment but it was pronounced dead a few hours later.

A Wildlife officer said many animals including tortoises usually cross the roads near the Diyawanna Sanctuary especially in the evening.

He therefore said motorists should be watchful when driving along the road leading towards Parliament and other adjacent roads during the evening.