During the past few days, a number of dead turtles have been found from the southern coastline from Tangalle to Hambantota.

The dead turtles show no external wounds in their bodies and the cause of death still remains unrecognized. It is unlikely that such a large number of turtles could die due to a natural cause and therefore  Minister of Fisheries has instructed the Chairman of NARA to conduct an expedite investigation in this regard and submit a report.

According to the District Fisheries Office of Hambantota, there are Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles among the dead turtles. They might have died due to the traps and nets used in stingray catching in the southern sea line or blast fishing in sea.

However, NARA has planned an investigation to be conducted to find out the possible cause of death of the these turtles.