• DWC liaising with environmental and int’l orgs for related data
• Awaits NMNH report on endemic and endangered species among insects-animals collection of Horton Plains foreign couple 
• Nat Parks protection to be strengthened against same with Police and military presence 

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) is collaborating with environmental sector institutions, the Police, and the Tri-Forces to strengthen the protection of national parks, following the recent arrest of a foreign couple for biopiracy.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the DWC Director General Ranjan Marasinghe said that while no organised network of bio smugglers was identified within the country, more data is needed to determine whether the two said foreigners were part of a larger international network. "We're communicating with international organisations to gather data to analyse and identify whether these foreigners are part of a bigger international network. We are working with the Security Forces and the relevant institutions to prevent further incidents," he said. 

The DWC is awaiting a report from the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) to determine whether the seized insects and small animals include any endemic or endangered species. "Since Sri Lanka has a rich endemism, there is a possibility there are endemic species among the haul too," he said.

The arrest was made this week when DWC officers apprehended a foreign couple for allegedly collecting and possessing insect and small animal specimens at the Horton Plains National Park. The suspects are in custody, and investigations are ongoing.