Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - A special joint operation was launched in the Thabbowa area of Puttalam yesterday (14) to remove illegal traps, explosive baits and weapons posing a serious threat to wildlife, including wild elephants.
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakodi, who directly supervised the operation, instructed wildlife officials to expand island-wide raids to eliminate the use of “hakka-patas” (explosive baits), wire snares, live electrical wires and illegal firearms used to injure and kill wild animals.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Department of Civil Security.
During the operation, search teams covered the Thabbowa Sanctuary and surrounding forest areas, including Kudawewa, Pansal Gala, Galhatha, Rabaewa, Eramudu Gaswewa and Kuda Medawachchiya.
A large number of officers participated in the operation under the guidance of Prashantha Wimaladasa, Assistant Director of Wildlife Conservation for the Kurunegala and Puttalam districts.
Mr. Jayakodi instructed officials to intensify enforcement measures against individuals using illegal devices and weapons that pose a lethal threat to wild elephants and other wildlife.
The Ministry of Environment said strict legal action would be taken under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance against those found harming wildlife or engaging in related illegal activities.
It added that surveillance operations and enforcement measures would continue to protect Sri Lanka’s wildlife and biodiversity.
