Over 200 trees felled near Yala National Park

•  Wildlife officers have produced the timber before the courts but no suspects have been arrested yet

By Nelson Piyaratne   

About 200 trees, including Satin, Margosa, Palu, and Weera, have been felled at Galara in Tissamaharama, which is adjacent to Yala National Park, according to the Lunugamvehera Wildlife Conservation Office. The raid was conducted based on a tip-off given by local residents.

In addition, another plot of land, approximately 100 acres in extent, has been completely cleared, and a fence about 15 feet high has been erected to protect it from wild elephants.

 Residents of the area said after felling trees land would  be sold by these racketeers to people from other areas for prices  between Rs.3 million and Rs 4 million per acre.   

 Wildlife officers have produced the timber before the courts but no suspects have been arrested yet.   

Beat Forest officer Tharaka Samarasinghe said necessary  action would be taken to obtain an order prohibiting entering into this  land and the suspects would be arrested soon.