Navy Behind Wilpattu Animal Slaughter

By Nirmala Kannangara

Allegations have been leveled against Navy guards and officials based in the western part of the Wilpattu Park for slaughtering animals for food and even as a hobby.
“I have been going to Wilpattu very often over the past two years and have seen the vast decline in animals in the western part of the park that comes under the Navy’s purview,” Director Environment Conservation Trust, Sajeewa Chamakara told The Sunday Leader.
While accusing the government for allowing the Sri Lanka Navy to control the western part even after the war, Chamakara said that the Navy is directly involved in destroying the wildlife at Wilpattu.
“When I compare the animal habitat in the Wild Life Conservation Department (WLCD) controlled areas and the Navy controlled areas in the park, there is a clear indication that the wildlife has reduced in the Navy controlled areas,” Chamakara claimed.
According to him, recently bullets used for the killings have been found in Kaliwilluwa which is wet grassland in the western part of the park.
“Deer, leopards and wildebeest are slaughtered almost every day and even non-edible animals too are being slaughtered for fun,” Chamakara said.
He further charged that even a group of WLCD workers had told him they have seen Navy personnel taking aim at a mother bear and her cub a few months ago.
Refuting the allegations, Director General WLCD Chandrawansa Pathiraja told The Sunday Leader that the WLCD has ensured the safety of the animals in the park.
“We have not received such complaints as we have ensured the safety of the wildlife,” insisted Pathiraja.
Minister Agrarian Services and Wildlife S. M. Chandrasena was not available for comment.