Nine jeep owners who were arrested on charge of driving vehicles and creating disturbances to the wildlife in the Yala National Park and violating the Park’s rules and regulations were ordered to be released with a personal surety of Rs. 500,000 each after being produced before the Tissamaharama Magistrate Sameera Thushara yesterday. Police said that a group of about 50 persons visited the Yala National Park in their jeeps on October 21. The National Park authorities had also provided seven trackers to guide them as this team consisted more than 50 persons. However the jeep owners had gone beyond their control and were disturbing the wild animals of the Yala National Park by making loud noises and violating all the rules and regulations inside the National Park. According to the instructions of Wildlife Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, investigations are being carried out regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Ministry yesterday said that services of seven officials who were closely involved in this incident have been suspended.
Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath has also decided to appoint a three-member committee for further investigations on the officers, a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Wildlife Director General Chandana Suriyabandara has taken action to temporarily suspend the services of seven officers who neglected their duty responsibilities in this incident and contributed directly or indirectly to the incident until the investigation is completed.
The Director General of Wildlife has decided to take disciplinary action against these seven officials if the names of other officials are revealed in the future investigations.The secretary said that in this regard today, in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation,. Mahinda Amaraweera, steps will be taken to appoint this three-member committee under the chairmanship of an additional secretary of the ministry.
[President directs impartial probe]
Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane yesterday said President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed law enforcement authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident that took place in the Yala National Park and punish those who should be punished.
The Minister made this remark when he inquired about individuals and vehicles involved in joyriding in the Yala National Park disturbing wildlife.
The Minister also mentioned that the President has instructed to implement the law in relation to the concerned parties without any favour.
