Three held over alleged turtle-for-money racket at Unawatuna
– Three men were arrested after allegedly using protected turtles to entertain foreign tourists and attempting to collect money from them at Unawatuna.The suspects, aged 23, 41 and 45 and residents of Thalpe, were taken into custody by the Unawatuna Tourist Police following information that they were allegedly displaying turtles to tourists and demanding money.
Police said the suspects allegedly encouraged tourists to feed the turtles and handled and lifted the animals by hand, causing distress to the protected creatures.The alleged activities have raised concerns over the exploitation of Sri Lanka’s protected marine wildlife for tourist-related income.Turtles are protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and harming or keeping protected animals in captivity is a serious offence.Police said two other individuals had previously been arrested at the same location over similar allegations involving the display of turtles to foreign tourists and the collection of money.
They were subsequently produced before court.
The three suspects were arrested by a team of Unawatuna Tourist Police officers, including the Officer-in-Charge, and handed over to the Habaraduwa Police for further legal action.