Troops deployed in the close vicinity of forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the South were educated on the protection of wildlife and the conservation of forests reserves, the Army said.

Military spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya said, “The Security Force Headquarters, Central under the guidance of its Commander-Major General Ubaya Medawela organised a workshop on the Protection of Wild Life and the Conservation of Forests Reserves for all troops deployed in the close vicinity of forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the South.”

He said this workshop was conducted at Palatupana recently by the officials of the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation.

Recently, there was an incident at the Yala National Park, where a soldier on duty during the ‘Pada Yatra’ pilgrimage through the Park, had fired into the air to scare away an elephant which had approached them.

Later environmentalists expressed grave concern and called on the Government to prevent similar instances by ensuring that park regulations were met in such areas.