Ministry denies removal of DWC, DG

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife denied allegations of removing the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). "The current Director General is appointed on an acting basis and a new person will be appointed permanently to the post," according to a Ministry spokesperson.

Several local media reported that steps were taken to remove the DWC Director General. The reports also alleged that the removal was due to his rejection to dump garbage in the buffer zone of the Wilpattu National Park. According to Ministry sources a well- known environment specialist Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya is likely to be nominated to the post.

The Cabinet paper on the new appointment is scheduled to be tabled next week.