Zulfick Farzan: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Six people who were involved in reckless driving inside the Yala National Park over the weekend and flouting the park rules have surrendered to the Wildlife Officers. The group was produced to the Tissamaharama Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (26) along with seven vehicles.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation Chandra Herath said the Committee was appointed to investigate the officials' dereliction of duty , failure to inform senior officials about the incident, and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The Committee will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry.The Ministry is also expected to make a formal request from the Inspector General of Police to arrest all members of the group involved in the incident.Over 100 of off-roader enthusiasts in 33 jeeps entered the Yala National Park on Saturday, 22nd October and performed various manouvers that caused harm to the wildlife.Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Writer: Zulfick Farzan