Wildlife officials have arrested five persons and initiated legal action after they allegedly violated wildlife regulations inside the Yala National Park.
The incident was reported in the Sudu Weli Mulla area of the park, where a group of visitors travelling in two safari jeeps were found walking outside their vehicles in violation of park rules.
It is reported that the individuals also had threatened the wildlife officers during the incident. They were subsequently taken into custody and are to be produced before the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, the Joint Association of Yala Safari Jeep Operators stated that any safari jeep driver or visitor found violating regulations within the park face arrest, and the relevant safari vehicles are also barred from operating safari services thereafter.
However, the association has alleged that proper legal action has not been taken against the jeeps involved in this incident, claiming that the vehicles have neither been produced before the court nor subjected to the necessary legal procedures.
