The Wildlife department authorities have arrested Ratugala Vedda chieftain Suda Vannila Atto and four others for fishing in the Senanayake Samudraya. According to the Vedda Chieftain, he along with several others of his tribe had gone fishing as they had not had a proper meal for several days.

“The Ratugala Adivasis are suffering due to the economic crisis. While every community is suffering, the effect is worse on the Adivasi children” according to conservationist Sameera Weeratunga.

Suda Vannila Atto claims many illegal activities take place within the Gal Oya National Park including mining and felling of trees but the authorities fail to take action against the perpetrators. “But when we venture into the park to catch a fish or in search of medicine we are arrested,” he said.