Exchange of fire during yala operation injures one person

One person was hospitalised with injuries following an exchange of fire between poachers and wildlife officers during a wildlife operation conducted in the Yala National Park.

The incident occurred yesterday (11) when a group of wildlife officers attached to the Thanamalwila Yala National Park Headquarters Office attempted to arrest three individuals hunting animals during an operation inside the Yala reserve, according to the Hiru correspondent.

Two suspects fled during the exchange of fire, while a 44-year-old resident of the Ellagala Left Bank, Tissamaharama area was arrested by wildlife officers at the scene.

A stock of deer meat and two locally manufactured firearms were seized from the suspect's possession, and the Tissamaharama Magistrate's Court ordered him to be remanded in custody until August 21.