One of Sri Lanka’s most famous tourist attractions had to be closed after dozens of visitors were left injured when they were attacked by a swarm of wasps.

According to the BBC News website, the incident took place at the ruined fortress city of Sigiriya last weekend, when thousands of wasps started to attack tourists after their nest was disturbed by boys throwing stones.

The website reports that dozens of tourists were admitted to hospital with swollen limbs after the attack, which locals reportedly describe as unprecedented.

The attraction has now partially re-opened, though wasp activity means that certain parts of the World Heritage Site, around 150km from the capital Colombo, will remain closed until further notice.

Sri Lanka's Island newspaper reportedly thanked the wasps for trying to keep down tourist numbers, which it claims are a major threat to heritage sites. It said the wasps were the reincarnation of the troops of King Kasyapa who built the fortress in the year 475.

The newspaper is quoted thus: “Let us hope that Kasyapa's guardians continue to perform their royal assignment and puncture the bums in minis and hot pants that come in their thousands to disturb them.”