The Unawatuna Tourist Police have arrested three individuals—residents of the Thalpe area—for mistreating sea turtles while displaying them to tourists in exchange for money.
The suspects face several allegations, including having tourists feed the turtles and mistreating the animals by lifting them up with their hands.
The arrests were made following information that they were attempting to forcibly extract money from foreigners through these activities. Under Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, sea turtles are a strictly protected species; mistreating or confining them constitutes a serious offense.
Previously, the Unawatuna Tourist Police had arrested and produced in court two other individuals for similar conduct involving the display of sea turtles to foreign tourists for money. The current suspects have been handed over to the Habaraduwa Police Station for further legal proceedings.