Police have arrested 15 "flood looters" from several flood hit areas in the Colombo district, Police sources said.

They said the Police would also take tough action against those who purchase 'stolen goods'.

According to the Police , the security forces as well as relief workers have managed to prevent incidents of 'flood looting'- to a great extent.

Many flood victims refused to leave their houses, despite imminent threats to their safety, as they feared that their houses would be looted after evacuation.

At this point, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe intervened and instructed military forces to provide security to the houses of victims who feared 'flood looting.'