Thirteen individuals have been taken into custody by wildlife officers for unauthorized gem mining within the Wasgamuwa National Park, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

Acting on intelligence received by the Assistant Director’s Office of Wildlife in Polonnaruwa, officers conducted raids along the park’s western boundary on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of this month.

The suspects had entered the protected area without permission and engaged in gem excavation. Wildlife officials carried out the arrests with strategic precision.

Entering a national park without authorization, damaging flora and fauna, or engaging in any form of human activity, including mineral extraction, is a punishable offence under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. (Newswire)

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