A 27-year-old businessman has been fined Rs. 20,000 after being found in possession of protected bird species and engaging in the illegal bird trade, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.Wildlife officers attached to the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office conducted a raid in the Ruwanwella area on June 14 and arrested the suspect with 64 birds belonging to the protected Tri-colored Munia species and a parrot.

Officials said several other bird species were also observed at the suspect’s residence. Investigations revealed that he had allegedly been involved in the sale of protected and threatened wildlife species in the past.  According to wildlife officers, the birds had been captured over a long period from areas including Trincomalee, Muttur and Vavuniya before being transported and sold in Ruwanwella.

The suspect and the seized birds were produced before the Ruwanwella Magistrate’s Court. After pleading guilty, the suspect was fined Rs. 20,000.The court also directed wildlife officials to release the rescued birds at the Horagolla National Park and submit a report. The Magistrate further warned the suspect against engaging in similar activities in the future.The raid was carried out by officers attached to the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office.