Nine individuals who were involved in the recent incident of unruly behaviour inside the Yala National Park have been released on bail after being presented before the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court today.
The Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court released the suspects on Rs. 500,000 surety each.
The suspects were identified after video footage emerged of a convoy of off-road vehicles and SUVs driving in a reckless manner inside the Yala National Park, an action which is prohibited.
The video footage earned severe backlash on social media platforms, with many highlighting the serious dangers to the wild animals within the national park and its effects on the ecosystem.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe too has issued instructions to relevant authorities to carry out an impartial investigation into the recent incident.
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the media today (26) that the law enforcement authorities have been ordered to take measures to punish those found to be guilty, free of political influence.
The individuals and vehicles that were involved in behaving in an unruly manner inside the Yala National Park have been prohibited from entering any national parks in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera said the group has been prohibited from entering any national park in Sri Lanka for a period of 03 years.
The 07 safari tour guides who had accompanied the group have also been temporarily suspended from service pending investigation. (NewsWire)