A fire broke out on the second floor of a three-storey tourist hotel in Wadduwa, causing panic among guests before emergency teams managed to bring the blaze under control.
According to police, all trapped guests were safely rescued, thanks to the quick response of rescue personnel. However, a senior hotel official sustained injuries during the evacuation and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
The fire reportedly destroyed several passports and personal belongings belonging to foreign guests staying at the hotel.
Teams from the Wadduwa and Pinwatta Police Stations, along with the Special Task Force (STF), responded promptly to the emergency. Two ambulances were also dispatched to the scene, and medical officers provided first aid to those affected by smoke inhalation.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, while safety inspections are underway to assess the extent of the damage.

