Pendants made from Dala Poottuwa's tusks!

Pendants made from Dala Poottuwa's tusks!

2 grama seva officers who are alleged to be involved in making 3 pendants with casings weighing over 9 grammes from the tusks of Galgamuwe Dala Poottuwa who was killed after being shot down have been arrested on suspicion day-before-yesterday (2) by a team of

Nikaweratiya Division Intelligence officers. 

These 2 grama seva officers were apprehended while they were in their homes in Polpithigama on a tip off given by suspects who are presently in remand, it is reported. The two of them who have been thus arrested are Rajangana Panikkiyalagedera Chaminda Ariyaratna (42) who functioned as grama niladhari of Makulpotha and Hundavedikkarayalage Indika Senadhira (32(, the grama niladhari of Doraveruwa. The officer concerned mentioned that the said 2 grama niladharis were taken into custody with 3 pendants weighing over 9 grammes and made from the tusks. He further said that pendants were made from the tusks inclusive of the gold casings. It has been revealed that the pendants in their possession were those prepared from tusks of tusker Dala Poottuwa who was killed.

The 2 suspected grama niladharis are expected to be produced before Mahawa Magistrate Court. The total number of suspects so far taken into custody in connection with shooting down Galgamuwe Dala Poottuwa is 7. In the meantime Wild Life Conservation Deputy Director (Health), Dr. Tharaka Prasad and    Veterinary Surgeon, Chandana Jayasingha who made a visit to where Dala Poottuwa's dead body was, conducted a final inspection in that regard. In the same way, the Nayaka Thera of Galgamuwe Lankagama Vihara held a 'panshakula' ceremony on behalf of Dala Poottuwa who was killed.

Jagath Kanaheraarachchi, Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon, Yapahuwa - Wijeyratna