Four suspects including two German nationals and their guide were produced before the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court yesterday (06). They had been arrested by officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation while collecting live wild animals and animal specimens within the Uddarakanda Forest Reserve.
During the proceedings, the four suspects the two German nationals who collected the live animals and specimens, along with their guide pleaded guilty to the charges. Subsequently, a fine exceeding ten million rupees (Rs. 10 million) was imposed on them, with an order to pay the full amount by the next scheduled court date. Accordingly, the case was set to be called again on the 13th of this month to ensure the payment of the fine.
After pleading guilty before the court and being fined Rs. 10,692,000.00, the suspects were released on personal bail of Rs. 5 million and Rs. 6 million each. The Magistrate imposed a travel ban on the defendants, ordered the confiscation of the case productions (evidence), and directed that their passports be released only after verification with the Controller of Immigration and Emigration.
The prosecution of this case was conducted by a team of wildlife officers led by Wildlife Range Officer K.D.N. Muthukalum, and included Wildlife Range Officers Tharanga Dhammika and Nalinda Perera, as well as Assistant Wildlife Range Officers Kasun Somasiri and Hashan Hettiarachchi.