Environmentalists have slammed the Derana TV channel for their recent use of a ‘Near Threatened’ species of parrot in one of its cricket-related program recently.

Taking to his personal Facebook page, environmentalist Supun Jayaweera identified the parrot called ‘Jenny’ as an Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) known as a ‘Labu Girawa’ in the local dialect. According to Jayaweera, Jenny’s species is considered an NT - near threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifications.

He also noted that according to the Fauna and Flora Ordinance, the Alexandrine Parakeet is a protected bird species in Sri Lanka and therefore according to section 31 (1) of the amended Act of 2009 it is an offence to possess or keep under one's control any such bird. shall be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.

These offences are cognizable offences and the Wildlife Department/Forest Conservation Department/Police officers have the power to arrest without a warrant, he added.

“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for any wrongdoing. This is the irresponsible way in which the country’s television and radio channels watched by thousands of people carry out their duty. The law of the land is being violated and the authorities are sleeping.” he said.