The Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters have been deployed in an attempt to douse the fire at Badulla garbage dump, which is burning for the third day.

Toxic fumed were released yesterday engulfing the city, which prompted authorities to close three schools.

Five main schools in the city were closed today due to the continuing crisis. They are Viharamaha Devi Maha Vidyalaya, Uva Maha Vidyalaya, Dharmadootha Maha Vidyalaya, AlAdhan Maha Vidyalaya and Badulla Tamil Maha Vidyalaya.