Police have arrested seven people, including five Sri Lanka Air Force personnel and two civilians, in connection with an alleged deer-poaching incident associated with the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport area.
The Air Force personnel reportedly include an officer.
Police investigating the incident say items recovered in connection with the arrests included:
- suspected deer meat;
- a deer skull;
- a firearm;
- a knife; and
- vehicles.
The investigation concerns allegations that deer in or around the airport premises had been shot and that venison was being removed or sold.
Allegations under investigation
The arrests and seizures are enforcement actions. Illegal hunting and sale remain allegations. Possession does not establish individual responsibility, and none is described as guilty without a court finding. The allegations concern individuals and do not establish institutional Air Force involvement.