CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA 
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Turtle slaughterhouse raided in Negombo
The Walana police Anti- Vice squad today raided a place where turtles were slaughtered to be sold for meat in Pitipana, Negambo, and arrested the person who surreptitiously operated it for a long time.At the time of the raid, two turtles were found butchered for meat. Besides, there were two live turtles apparently kept to be slaughtered later. The police also seized ten kilogrammes of turtle meat and shells.
The police revealed that the turtles were being killed to provide meat for businessmen and other professionals. Police said more 100 of turtles had been killed so far in the slaughterhouse. Turtles are an endangered species of animals. The police said top professionals, and hoteliers were among the clients of this place.
Fishermen who caught turtles in their fishing nets had sold them out to this person for slaughter. It is learnt that a kilogramme of turtle meat has fetched Rs.1000. Some foreigners have also purchased meat from this place, according to initial investigations by the police. Fishermen, living along the coastal belt, are used to consume turtle meat which is considered nutritious.
According to the Fauna and Flora Act, it is prohibited to slaughter or keep in possession turtles in Sri Lanka as they are a strictly protected species. Anyone convicted of violating this law is subjected to fines and jail terms
The suspect is to be produced in the Negombo Courts. (News and pix by Nirmala Ferdinandez)
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