COLOMBO, June 4 — The manager of a Sri Lankan care home was arrested today, a day after a fire killed 12 residents and injured six others, officials said.

The manager of the Maupiya Sewana Elders Home was arrested as forensic experts combed through the wreckage and discovered seven more charred bodies, raising the death toll to 12.

An AFP photographer saw the manager in handcuffs being escorted to the scene today, as police interviewed survivors and neighbours.

In addition to elderly residents, the facility also housed young people with mental issues.

The youngest victim was a 17-year-old boy, police said.

Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler said 51 residents and staff rescued on Wednesday had been moved to a nearby government facility.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire. — AFP