A gem and jewelery businessman of Galle was fined Rs. 90,000 by Galle Additional Magistrate Pavitra Sanjeewani Pathirana for having two elephant tusks, ivory Buddha statues and idols.
The accused was a director of a private gem and jewelry firm in Galle.
Hikkaduwa Wildlife Conservation Department officials seized two three-feet long elephant tusks, three ivory Buddha statues, two ivory idols and a tortoise shell in the suspect’s residence and later prosecuted him under Fauna and Flora Ordinance.
The Attorneys for the suspects told the court that the items produced as case productions were inherited by the suspect from his late father and that he worshiped them in his residence.
Forrest officer W.A.Indika De Silva, Wildlife Officers G.H.Kasun Somasiri L.G.R.De Silva and Filed Assistant W.D.U. Srinath made the arrest under directions of the Officer in Charge of Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary.
from daily news