Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation is investigating an alleged poaching incident in Block V of Yala National Park after receiving video evidence reportedly recorded inside the protected area.
According to wildlife officials, the incident is alleged to have occurred on the afternoon of August 10 in the Veheragala area of Yala Block V.
A safari jeep driver who reportedly recorded the incident submitted the video to the Block V park warden on the same day.
Wildlife officers subsequently searched the area on August 11 and 12 but did not locate the suspect.
Officials later received information that the person had left his usual place of residence.
The Department says investigations are continuing to locate the suspect.
The latest alleged incident has also been reported to the Wellawaya Magistrate's Court.
Wildlife officials have referred to previous offences involving the person they are seeking.
According to the Department's account reported in the media, the suspect had previously been arrested and produced before the Wellawaya Magistrate's Court, where a fine of Rs. 150,000 and a two-year prison sentence suspended for five years were imposed in an earlier matter.
The latest case, however, remains a separate allegation under investigation.
The existence of video evidence and an investigation does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
No conclusion should therefore be drawn about responsibility for the August 10 incident unless and until the allegation is established through the appropriate legal process.
Yala is one of Sri Lanka's most important protected wildlife areas, and illegal hunting inside a national park is a matter of significant conservation concern.
The Department's investigation is continuing.