Suspend trackers that went with a group abusing animals in Yala: Amaraweera

25 October 2022 09:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has suggested suspending the services of all trackers who accompanied the group while abusing wild animals in Yala National Park, as well as officials who failed to control the situation.

The Minister instructed the Wildlife Department Director-General yesterday (24) to immediately implement the order regarding the group that went to see the animals in the Yala National Park in a way that was harmful to the wild animals.

He also ordered an investigation concerning the trackers and other officials who did not intervene in the matter while driving the vehicles in a way that is seen as potentially harmful to the wild animals.

“This group has committed serious misconduct under the Wildlife and Vegetation Ordinance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry Secretary of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mrs Chandra Herath, said that the services of the guides and officials who accompanied this group would be suspended until the investigation is completed.

“Those officials had the authority to intervene or inform the higher officials, but they have not taken any steps to do so,” she said.

The Minister also instructed the Secretary to send a letter to the Inspector General of Police informing him to take measures to arrest members of the group regardless of their status.

Furthermore, the Minister instructed the officials yesterday to focus on implementing a special plan to prevent it in the future.

In addition, he wanted the guides and members to be placed on a blacklist. (Chaturanga Samarawickama)

Comments - 10

Piyal Tuesday, 25 October 2022 10:57 AM

Also ensure that those visitors who misbehaved are tracked down, and severely punished. Vehicles confiscated, and those visitors and vehicles banned for life from all national parks. Name and list all the visitors in public. We the public need to know who they were and what connections they may have flouted to be conduct themselves in such a manner above the law.

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Dilkie Tuesday, 25 October 2022 11:21 AM

Politicized like every other service. Country people wild life ruined. Safari Parks in other countries will never witness such behavior. Shame on us.

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Lala Tuesday, 25 October 2022 11:33 AM

One day over nothing happened. Colombo- GALLE Highway Four Student joly drivers caught them put behind the bars two weeks. One country many laws money can talk with police and lawyers. What a country we are living for.

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Sunil Tuesday, 25 October 2022 11:52 AM

What can innocent wildlife officials do in the face o such horrendous behaviour by highly undisciplined scoundrels of equally undisciplined ministers? The entire public service should unite against this kekille decision by the minister.

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Aquarius Tuesday, 25 October 2022 11:59 AM

This sick behaviour of the group is a reflection of our society. Not surprisingly, they will be all well connected, the reason to think they have the right and authority to be who they are, wherever they want. Yes, the trackers should be taken to task but those others who were with them should be severely dealt with. Unless we are ready to deal in an appropriate manner with heavy fines and/or forbidding them entering any sanctuary in the country, this social virus is worse than any pandemic.

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Be Fair Tuesday, 25 October 2022 12:04 PM

Nothing will happen. The same group did a Rally during the fuel shortage and had to abandon after protests from people. Not because the authorities were able to stop them. They will get away scotfree

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Terrence Tuesday, 25 October 2022 01:03 PM

Very good an investigation is been done no one can abuse an animal or human being. What is the Minister doing when the animals (elephants) are abusing our poor villagers who are trying to protect their yield and their lives what have you done to give solace to their cries you remain stone deaf and all politicians are like they belong to the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Association. Hypocrisy at its height by not hearing the cries in the wilderness (voiceless souls)

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Cherath Tuesday, 25 October 2022 01:40 PM

For a change, all actions and those intended deserves a bouquet! Well done, especially Mrs. Chandra Herath, the Ministry Secretary!! Now, make sure every pledge is carried out to the letter. People who have no regard for our fellow beings are the scum of the world.

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Roshanaly Tuesday, 25 October 2022 03:02 PM

They are more powerful than the Minister. What can the poor official do, they have to risk their jobs if reported.

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SM Friday, 28 October 2022 02:53 PM

Punish the small man who didn't have the power to stop these political goons, and let the political goons go free. The Sri Lankan fools will continue to vote for these goons

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