Destroyed dead whale arouses controversy, Mannar

19 July, 2011

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) cast doubt over a whale destroyed by Sri Lanka Navy in the shores of Mannar.

DFAR official has written to the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that a substance called ‘amber’ found in the whale had disappeared with the disposal of the whale.

Valuble amber

The Trincomalee Regional Inspector, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), Neil Montague said that the value of the substance, ‘amber’ could be around hundred million rupees.

He alleged that Sri Lanka Navy turned down a request by fisheries officials to hand over the carcass of the whale.

“Every resource found within the Sri Lanka maritime border comes under the jurisdiction of the fisheries authorities” Inspector Montague told BBC Sinhala Sandeshaya.

Ministry acknowledged

However,the Sri Lanka Navy claims that burning of the whale carcass was done with the knowledge of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and local fisher folk.

“We destroyed the dead whale as it was polluting the environment” said Sri Lanka Navy spokesman, Commander Kosala Warnakulasooriya.

He rejected any suggestion of foul play.

Inspector Montague said that the whale had been destroyed amidst protests by the fisheries community in the area.

“Even the request by National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) was ignored by the navy,” Inspector Montague added.

bbc.co.uk

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