9 March 2021 12:00 am
Troops have been deployed throughout the country with instructions by Army Commander General Shavendra Silva to crack down on all kinds of illegal activities that could harm the environment and arrest those involved, a statement from the Army said .
A large number of persons engaged in illegal activities such as sand mining and transportation and timber smuggling, have been arrested and handed over to the police for further legal action.
During the first two months of this year, the Army has arrested 116 persons and handed them over to the Police for engaging in illegal activities that cause environmental damage.
In addition, troops seized 17 tractors, 15 bicycles, five trucks, four lorries, three tippers, two cabs, motorcycles / three wheelers.