The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) says it is searching for a man who openly hunted animals in the Weheragala area of Zone V (5)  of the Yala National Park, and that he has fled the area.In a post on its official Facebook account, the DWC further stated that, from the day information about the incident was received, the park warden had taken action and carried out a thorough inspection of the park over two days (on the 11th and 12th), while keeping a close watch for the suspected poacher.

However, the department said the poacher could not be located and that information has now been received indicating that he has left the area where he resides.Wildlife officers are continuing their investigations in an effort to apprehend the poacher, the department said. It further stated that, prior to this incident, the man had been arrested by wildlife officers on three occasions, produced before the courts and convicted.The department said the poacher was most recently fined Rs. 150,000 by the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court. Taking his previous offences into consideration, the court had also imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years.

It was also stated that he had spent three months in remand custody after being unable to pay the aforementioned fine.The department further said that Wildlife officers attached to the Yala Zone V had reported the matter to the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court.