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Foreign couple held over alleged biopiracy at Horton Plains

Published

3 months ago

2026/01/14

Wildlife officers with the suspects and specimens taken into custody

A foreign couple was arrested by Wildlife officers over the alleged illegal collection and possession of insect and small animal specimens at the Horton Plains National Park, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said yesterday.

The arrest followed a routine inspection of tourists’ baggage carried out on the morning of 11 January at the entrance to the World’s End nature trail, inside the Horton Plains National Park, which comes under the Central Wildlife Zone. During the inspection, park officers discovered insect specimens preserved in chemical substances, along with chemicals and specialised equipment used for capturing small animals, inside the foreign national’s backpack.

Acting on instructions, and under the supervision of the Officer-in-Charge of the Horton Plains National Park, M.M.K. Morathenna, Wildlife officers, together with the Range Officer of the Hakgala Wildlife Office, subsequently searched a well-known accommodation facility in Nuwara Eliya, where the suspects were staying.

The search led to the recovery of additional insect specimens and chemical substances from the room occupied by the foreign couple.

The suspects were taken into custody for further investigations on suspicion of violating Sri Lanka’s wildlife protection laws, particularly provisions relating to the unauthorised collection and possession of fauna from protected areas.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation said the suspects were produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court on Monday . The court ordered that their passports be taken into judicial custody and imposed an overseas travel ban. They were released on bail of Rs. 1 million each, with the case fixed to be recalled on 26 January, 2026.

A senior DWC official stressed that Horton Plains is a strictly protected national park with high levels of endemic biodiversity and that any attempt to remove biological material, without authorisation, constitutes a serious offence. “Sri Lanka has zero tolerance for biopiracy. These ecosystems are legally protected, and anyone—local or foreign—found exploiting wildlife resources will be dealt with firmly under the law,” the official said.

The raid and subsequent operation were carried out by a team, including Range Officer III P.G.T. Piyarathna, Wildlife Range Assistant P.R.L. Indrapala, Wildlife Guard U.W.W. Lakshan, Wildlife Field Assistant U.G.S. Chamara Prasanna, driver W.H.K.J. Chandralal, Public Relations Officer W.N.S.A. Wijesekera, Range Officer III of the Hakgala Wildlife Office D.M.N. Sreenath Bandara, and a policewoman from the Nuwara Eliya Police Station, P.A.P.M. Weerasundara.

Investigations are continuing.

By Ifham Nizam

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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/14

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!