A total of 240 complaints related to wildlife and forest offences have been received through the ‘1995 Surakimu’ hotline within five months of its launch, the Ministry of Environment said.
The hotline and rapid response unit were introduced on November 3, 2025, under the patronage of Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi, in collaboration with the Defence Ministry, Police, Tri-Forces, and the Departments of Wildlife and Forest Conservation.
A progress review meeting was held on Monday (06) at the Ministry, where officials assessed complaints received between November 3, 2025 and March 6, 2026.
The minister emphasised the need to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to further strengthen the unit’s operations.
“The implementation of a special operational programme is necessary to ensure immediate and coordinated responses once a complaint is received,” he said, adding that steps would be taken to prepare the SOP within a week.
The hotline operates as a 24-hour service under the supervision of the Police, Special Task Force and the Tri-Forces, enabling the public to report incidents related to wildlife harm, illegal forest clearing, wetland encroachments and other environmental crimes.
According to the Ministry, a majority of complaints have been reported from Anuradhapura, Monaragala and Ratnapura districts, with several cases already resulting in legal action while others remain under investigation. (NewsWire)