Srilanka, June 18 -- Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over a meeting on Tuesday (17) to address the ongoing issues concerning the perimeter fence of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

The primary focus of the discussion was the recurring damages caused to the fence as a result of elephant intrusions in the surrounding area.

Recognising the potential threat to both airport operations and public safety, the Defence Secretary instructed all relevant stakeholders, including the Tri Forces, to take immediate remedial measures.

He emphasized the importance of not only repairing the existing damages promptly but also formulating a long-term, sustainable solution to prevent future incide...