Sri Lanka, Sept. 29 -- The Ministry of Defence has advised the general public to refrain from using illegal explosives and to assist by reporting any incidents of manufacturing, possessing, or selling the already prohibited "Hakka Patas" or "Cheena Patas" used to produce them, to the nearest police station or wildlife authorities.

The Defence Ministry said it has been reported that an illegal explosive called "Cheena Patas" is being produced in some parts of the island using raw materials and other chemicals issued for the firecracker and fireworks industry.

Information has also been received that another illegal explosive called "Hakka Patas" is being manufactured using "Cheena Patas" and the raw materials used for firecracker and fire...