SriLanka, Sept. 11 -- The Forest Conservation Department has denied reports that more than 2,000 kumbuk trees were destroyed in a fire at the old Eluwakkulam Nelum Wewa bordering the Wilpattu National Park.

The Department said reports claiming that over 500 kumbuk trees had been destroyed in an alleged arson attack were baseless.

Recent reports had said that a fire that initially affected the roots of a century-old kumbuk tree had spread across the area, destroying more than 2,000 kumbuk trees, while nearly 300 trees were reportedly still burning.

However, the Puttalam Additional District Forest Officer, who inspected the area, confirmed that the fire had mainly affected grassland surrounding the tank and several large, decaying trees ...