WASP NESTS REMOVED AHEAD OF INDIAN PM VISIT

Sri Lankan authorities have removed thousands of wasps from a tea growing region ahead of a visit this week by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to open an Indianfunded hospital and speak to plantation workers of Indian heritage.

Two wasp nests were removed from tall trees near two helipads where Modi and Sri Lankan leaders are expected to land because of concerns the helicopters might disturb the wasps and prompt them to sting people within two kilometres of the site. The wasps were released in a nearby jungle.

Modi arrives in Sri Lanka Thursday as the chief guest for the Buddhist celebration of Vesak which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.