Security has been beefed up in the area with wildlife officers being threatened after an individual said to be a poacher was shot dead over the weekend. The gunning down had taken place during an encounter with wildlife officers at the Yala Forest Reserve.

The victim is said to be a 33-year old in the Kataragama area.

Meanwhile the wildlife officer who had allegedly shot the individual has been remanded till tomorrow (06) by the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court.

Special probe
Speaking, police media spokesman - ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that the STF was deployed in order to ensure peace in the area.

He added that a special probe has been initiated on this regard.

Around 40 STF personnel have been deployed to provide security to the Kataragama wildlife office alone with more STF personnel deployed in the areas of Katagamuwa, Kochchipathana, Ondachchiya and Panama, reports add.