UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena had produced a licence for the elephant to prove the legality of the elephant that was in his custody, Hikkaduwa Park Warden Asanga Gunawardene, who carried out the inspection told the media.


He said wildlife officials would carry out further investigations to ascertain the authenticity of the licence.


A team of officials of the Wildlife Conservation Department had yesterday raided the residence of UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena at Ambalangoda in search of an elephant.


Meanwhile, some of the people who were guarding the gate and the police prevented the media from covering the incident. They questioned the police why the media should be obstructed if the parliamentarian was not involved in an illegal act. They pointed out that the elephant was being cared for by a private veterinary surgeon.


Meanwhile Balapitiya UNP Chief Organiser and Attorney Kamal Jayantha De Soysa and Pradeshiya Sabha Member Ushantha Mendis requested for permission to enter the premises to watch the officials carrying out the inspection, but to no avail.


He told the media that the UPFA parliamentarian had only owned a  motorcycle had in a very short time  amassed wealth to become a billionaire and that it would be investigated within a couple of weeks.  He said the parliamentarian concerned was facing serious allegations.(Hemantha de Silva)