The effect of test explosions at the facility is such that residents of Kandakkuliya, Musalpitiya and Red Barna Sagaragama are even forced to leave their homes, said Ven. Bendiwewa Diyasena Thera.

The 30-year war is over, but the people of these villages are still suffering, said the Thera.

The high-powered explosions there will affect children and pregnant women very badly, villagers fear, while many houses have already been damaged.

Puttalam district secretary N.H.M. Chitrananda said the matter has been referred to the AF, BBC Sinhala reports.