By Maheesha Mudugamuwa 

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said that stern legal action would be taken against those who engaged in illegal hunting activities inside national parks.

The wildlife officers attached to the national parks around the country were given the necessary instructions to conduct raids continuously to control illegal activities, and they were provided with necessary equipment for self-defense, DWC Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara told The Morning.

He said that during the recent incident at the Minneriya National Park, the wildlife officers there were attacked by a group of fishermen who were engaged in fishing activities inside the park without a license.

Following the incident, the Minneriya National Park was temporarily closed for the public.

He said that three officials had been hospitalised following the clash between the wildlife officials and the fishermen on Sunday night (26). Around 40 people had entered the park unlawfully and had attacked the officers, he said.

The Habarana Police is conducting further investigations regarding the incidents, he added.

"The situation of the wildlife officials who are receiving treatments currently at Habarana Hospital is not critical," Sooriyabandara said.

Stern legal action will be taken against those who failed to comply with the law, he said.

It is reported that the wildlife officers had arrested the suspect for engaging in fishing activities without a license and he was slated to be produced before the Hingurakkoda Magistrate’s Court today (27).

The DG said it was reported that the suspects were alleged to be engaged in animal hunting inside the park under the guise of engaging in fishing activities, which was illegal under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO).