The Department of Wildlife Conservation has initiated an investigation following the emergence of a YouTube video that depicts a foreign national alongside four Indigenous individuals hunting and cooking a peacock within Maduru Oya National Park.
Chandana Sooriyabandara, Director General of the Department, confirmed that efforts are underway to identify those involved in this illegal activity, which includes trespassing, setting fires, and the killing of a protected species.
This investigation comes on the heels of a similar incident involving a foreigner and Indigenous individuals from the Damabana area, which is currently under review by the Mahiyangnaya Magistrate’s Court.
The Department is committed to enforcing wildlife protection laws and addressing violations to preserve the country’s biodiversity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward to assist in the investigation.
