July 31, Puttalam: A forest fire has broken out today (31) in Puttalam in Sri Lanka's North Western Province where the feast of the well known St. Anne's Church is to take place tomorrow (August 01).

The fire has reportedly destroyed about five hectares of coconut land belonging to the Kelepalliya Church, which is adjacent to the St. Anne's Church in Thalawila.

Security forces personnel have been deployed along with the fire brigade to douse the fire.

Parish priest of Kelepalliya Church and St. Anne’s Church, Rev. Father Nelson Perera has told the local media that the two churches had not been damaged by the fire.

He has added that the St. Anne's feast will be held tomorrow as scheduled. Thousands of devotees from around the island participate in the annual feast of St. Anne's in Thalawila.

The Railways Department meanwhile, will operate a special train service to facilitate the devotees travelling to Thalawila.

The train services will be operated from Moratuwa and Colombo Fort stations to Palavi in Puttalam and back on 31st July, 1st August and 2nd August.