Residents around the Kelani River are in fear of death due to a crocodile.

It is reported that due to a giant crocodile roaming in the Upper Hanwella area of the Kelani River, the people living on both sides of the river are facing great inconvenience and fear. Residents say that many who previously used to bathe in the river are now even afraid to enter it.

Residents suspect that a few weeks ago, a dog kept in a riverside house in the Upper Hanwella area was snatched away by this crocodile. Although several other crocodiles roam in the Yaka Bemma area of Lower Hanwella and Upper Hanwella of the Kelani River, this giant crocodile is reported to be about 14-15 feet long. It is also mentioned that on many days, it can be seen swimming in the water near the Uswatta Bird Garden area on the other bank of the Kelani River.

There was a belief that this crocodile had left the area with the severe floods that affected the region about two months ago. However, residents on both sides of the river express deep concern that by coming into human-inhabited areas and even snatching away pet dogs, a serious threat could arise to the lives of people living in riverside homes in the future.