CONFUSION AMONG WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES

certain sections of this ordinance even protected birds not covered by the ordinance itself

A directive issued by The Secretary to the Ministry of Agrarian Service and Wildlife, Mr. Udeni Wickremesinghe, prevented raids on those who catch, sell, exhibit and transport roseringed parakeets and paddy birds.

However, the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, does not allow these birds to be held in captivity, to be caught, sold, exhibited or transported without permits issued by the Department of Wildlife. Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunewardena said certain sections of this ordinance even protected birds not covered by the ordinance itself and anyone wanting to keep these unprotected birds would have to obtain a permit.

It was an offence liable to a jail term of between two to five years, to keep, transport these birds. sell, or exhibit

Mr. Gunewardena said the secretary had no authority to issue such a directive defying these provisions, to the Wildlife Department and said it was illegal as it does not comply with the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. He said if these practices continued, the public will lose faith in the Wildlife department.

Deputy Director of the law enforcement division of the wildlife department, Ms. Chandani Wilson did not wish to comment on the matter.