Sri Lanka, July 18 -- Following an investigation by Hiru News, police and Forest Conservation Department officials have arrested three suspects involved in deforestation activities in the Kiwulara area of Thanamalwila.

Police confirmed that 'Rotti Chaminda', identified as the main suspect who hired labourers for the deforestation, is among those apprehended.

Hiru News previously exposed on July 15 that individuals were illegally removing the elephant fence meant to prevent wild elephants from entering villages in the Thanamalwila - Kiwulara area.

These groups were also forcibly occupying lands belonging to the Forest Conservation Department along the Udawalawe Reserve boundary.

Villagers had claimed that nearly 150 acres of forest lan...