Those who rented out a monkey named 'Piyumi' for the Avurudu Kumari competition in Galle have been arrested.

A resident of Puttalam, who rented out a monkey named 'Piyumi' to perform the dance feature 'Piyumi, dance with earrings' at an Avurudu Princess selection competition held in the Galle area, has been arrested by officials from the Galle Wildlife Office. Wildlife investigations have revealed that the animal was rented out to the dancer for a sum of Rs. 25,000.

The suspect had transported the monkey from Puttalam to Galle in a regular passenger bus. It is stated that the animal was carried in a bag to avoid suspicion. Information has also revealed that the arrested individual is involved in a scrap iron collection business in the Puttalam area.

After the dance performance at the competition, the suspect, along with the monkey, was staying at a friend's house in the Gintota area when he was caught by the law. This raid was carried out based on information received by wildlife officials while they were preparing to return to Puttalam the following day.

A team of officials, including Range Officer M. P. Sanjeewa of the Galle South Wildlife Office, conducted the raid and took the suspect and the animal into their custody. The arrested suspect was scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate's Court.