03 individuals, including a woman, were arrested by Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle aquatic animals into Sri Lanka from Bangkok without valid permits.

The 03 suspects, including a female, are residents of Veyangoda and are reportedly involved in the ornamental fish trade.

Their attempt to bring in the animals to their country violates Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

Hidden in their baggage were a large number of aquatic species including red-eared sliders, albino red-eared sliders, redtail catfish, alligator gar, various types of goldfish, and pig-nosed turtles – species considered invasive and potentially harmful to Sri Lanka’s ecosystem.

A Customs Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection (BCNP) Unit personnel stated that the red-eared slider is among the world’s most invasive turtle species, while the red-tailed catfish is known for its predatory nature and ability to consume fish much larger than itself.

Following further investigations, Customs plans to re-send the smuggled aquatic animals to Thailand.

Suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has formally requested for police protection, citing death threats to his life.

He reportedly made the request in writing yesterday (April 01) to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.

Police have stated that a threat assessment will be conducted to determine the risk to Tennakoon’s life, and protection will be provided if deemed necessary.

Related News :

The Ministry of Finance has issued a new gazette notification easing several more restrictions on vehicle imports, with effect from April 29, 2025.

The directive, issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, paves the way for the clearance of several types of vehicles that had been stranded at ports due to previous restrictions.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Vehicle Importers’ Association Prasad Manage said: “We’ve been unable to clear these vehicles for the past one and a half to two months. With the new gazette, we can now release hybrid models such as the Toyota Raize and the Nissan X-TRAIL. Other hybrid vehicles using similar technology have also been approved for clearance.”

In a related move, the government has also lifted the ban on the import of unregistered new motorcycles. A separate gazette notification has been issued allowing the import of new motorcycles under a licensed import scheme.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)