By Saman Indrajith

State Minister of Wildlife Wimalaweera Dissanayake should tender an apology to wildlife officials and solve the dispute between them through negotiation, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday.

“There was a recent incident between the Wildlife State Minister and two Wildlife officials. What happened could not be approved. The two officers involved in this incident are known for their exemplary services. Among the two officers was one by the name of Wijekoon. He always worked for the protection of jungles and forests. There was an attempt on his life by businessmen who cut trees. They broke his legs in 2005. Once they tried to knock him down using a vehicle. Wijekoon was not even compensated properly so he returned the compensation to the Wildlife fund. He served bravely during the LTTE times to find a place where the LTTE cadres killed 16 elephants and recovered the tusks. In recognition of his services he was given the Wanajeevi Prasadini award.

The other officer by the name of Wasala took the lead in filing over 100 cases against those who destroyed forests. After the incidents both officers have been transferred to Giritale by a radio message. We have information that the dispute between the Minister and officers was not on the basis of a road through the jungle to a village but issues related to illegal sand mining. Instead of solving the issue through negotiation we have heard some talk of bribe taking Wildlife officers. Not all public servants take bribes. Such statements are an insult to public servants numbering around 1.5 million. We in the SJB have decided to stand for justice and in protection of the two Wildlife officers and demand that the government solve the matter through negotiations. It can ask its Minister to tender an apology and speak to the officers to get the matter solved,” Opposition leader Premadasa said.