Navy guards have been deployed in a strategically located plot of prime beach land at Uppuveli in Trincomalee after reports that local politicians were selling them in lots under fake deeds. The move, the Sunday Times learnt, surfaced after politicians linked to the Eastern Provincial Council and the Municipal Council in Trincomalee had reportedly sold 25 blocks of 15 perches each.

At least 2,000 Sri Lankans travel from Colombo to Thailand every week for business or leisure. Most are, however, unaware of the dangers that lurk when they arrive or depart from that country’s main gateway to the world.