Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Rajitha Senaratne says that the law will be strictly implemented against the killing of dolphins using illegal poaching methods.
Police arrested 15 persons in connection with the recent dolphin massacre around 10km off the island of Baththalangunduwa in Kalpitiya, which resulted in the death of over 50 dolphins.
The suspects were remanded until February 05 after being produced before the Kalpitiya Magistrate.
When inquired by Ada Derana regarding the issue, Senior Environmental Lawyer Jagath Gunawardena stated that the recent report of dolphin slaughtering using illegal equipment was not an isolated incident.
He stated that political pressure was exerted during previous attempts to take action against persons engaging in such illegal poaching activities.
Gunawardena said that not only the Fisheries Ministry, but the Wildlife Department too has legal authority over dolphin slaughtering taking place off Kalpitiya.
However, Minister Senaratne speaking to Ada Derana stated that the Sri Lanka Navy has been conferred full powers to bring an end to these dolphin massacres.
