Three arrested for exploiting sea turtles at Unawatuna beach

Three suspects were taken into custody following an investigation into illegal wildlife exploitation at Unawatuna, a renowned coastal destination in the Southern Province. According to police reports, the men had been operating an unauthorised service charging visitors for close encounters with sea turtles.

Investigators alleged that the suspects encouraged tourists to hand-feed the turtles and physically lifted the animals for photographs and viewing purposes. These actions contravened wildlife protection regulations governing endangered marine species and caused unnecessary stress to the creatures, police said.

The arrests came after authorities received a tip-off about the unlicensed operation. Police launched an investigation that culminated in the detention of all three individuals involved in the scheme.

Sea turtles are protected under Sri Lankan law due to their conservation status. The country's marine resources face increasing pressure from unregulated tourism activities in popular beach destinations. Authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal wildlife interactions that threaten protected species and their habitats.