18 June 2024 08:11 am Views - 109
By Hiran Priyankara
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Wildlife officers examining the carcass
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The driver and conductor of a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus were arrested after being found with the carcass of a junglefowl that the bus had accidentally struck while passing through the Thabbowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The incident occurred as the bus, en route from Colombo to Mullaitivu, traversed the protected area. The Sri Lanka junglefowl, endemic to the country and recognised as the national bird, is strictly protected under wildlife laws. These laws prohibit the unauthorised transport and handling of indigenous wildlife.
Wildlife officers from Karuwalagaswewa, who were on another assignment, observed the bus crew’s suspicious behaviour and decided to investigate further. Upon searching the bus at Saliyapura, they discovered the concealed carcass under the driver’s seat.
Following the discovery, the driver and conductor were arrested and later released on police bail of Rs. 100,000 each. They face charges for the illegal killing and transportation of the jungle fowl.
Karuwalagaswewa Range Wildlife Conservator D. Ramasinghe, who led the operation, highlighted the importance of protecting the national bird. The operation also involved Range Assistant H. Wickremaratne and Wildlife Guard J.D.M. Wanasinghe, who assisted in the arrest and recovery of the carcass. Legal action against the suspects is pending.