Fifteen army soldiers were arrested by the Silawathura police for illegally cutting down and transporting timber in Wilpattu forest reserve.

They were released on bail of Rs.50000 each by Mannar Magistrate A. C. Alex Raja.

Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara claimed that Silawathura police had arrested an army truck as well. He also said that police was carrying out further investigations on the matter.