The court has ordered immediate prosecution against several persons, including Gotabaya Rajapaksa and a well-known Bhikkhu, who were illegally in possession of elephants.
A bench of judges has given this order after considering a petition submitted by several environmental organizations to the Court of Appeal. It was stated before the court that Gotabaya and others had committed a criminal offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
However, a Magistrate’s Court dismissed the petitions against Gotabaya and others. Yesterday (31), the court made the order after considering a writ petition submitted to the Court of Appeal against the Magistrate’s Court’s decision.
