All trade unions of the Department of Wildlife Conservation have launched a trade union action today (13), with members reporting sick leave in protest against the government's move to integrate Civil Security Department personnel into the Wildlife Conservation Department.

A large-scale protest campaign has also been organised today outside the Department of Wildlife Conservation's headquarters in Battaramulla as part of the ongoing industrial action.

Speaking to the media, President of the All Ceylon Wildlife Ranger Officers' Association, Indika Peiris, alleged that the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation was acting arbitrarily by attempting to carry out the recruitment in a manner that would be detrimental to the officers currently serving in the department.

He said the unions were not opposed to recruiting Civil Security personnel, but objected to the recruitment process and had requested discussions to address its shortcomings.

"We informed the Director General that we are not against the recruitment, but we wanted an opportunity to discuss the flaws in the proposed recruitment process. However, without any consultation, he is proceeding with these recruitments unilaterally. This will seriously affect not only field assistants and secondary-level officers, but also wildlife rangers, range assistants, range guards, and all officers serving in the department," Peiris said.

He further claimed that despite repeated requests, the Director General had failed to hold discussions with the unions before July 13, prompting today's protest and the decision by many field officers to report sick leave.

In response to an inquiry by Ada Derana, Director General of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe said that discussions had already been offered to address the concerns raised by employees.

He further noted that the Ministry of Environment has appointed a committee to examine the proposed integration of Civil Security personnel into the Wildlife Conservation Department, and that the committee will decide on the future course of action regarding the matter.