Kalpitiya dolphin killings: 15 arrested

Ridma Dissanayake

The Police arrested 15 persons in connection with the killing of 50 dolphins in Kalpitiya earlier this week.

Sources said the massacre had taken place around 10 kms off the island of Baththalangunduwa in Kalpitiya.

Fishermen complained to the authorities that a group of unidentified persons were engaged in illegal fishing activities which resulted in the deaths of the dolphins on January 29. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry launched an investigation after informing President Mahinda Rajapaksa about the incident.

The arrested fishermen are suspected to have used fishing nets which have been banned causing the deaths of around 50 dolphins.

Traditional fishermen alleged that the illegal fishing methods used by some have also resulted in the destruction of marine life.

National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Chairman Sayuru Samarasundara said dolphins died after getting entangled in the nets that have been banned for use.

The Kalpitiya area where the dead dolphins were found is a popular tourist resort and its seas are famous for dolphin and whale watching.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry plans to take stern action against culprits to prevent the recurrence of such activities.