On 20th September 2016, 27 Numbers of live birds were detected by the officers at Pettah gate, Colombo Harbour while being attempted to smuggle out to Maldives by a two Maldivian nationals. 11 Rose ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri), 6 Gouldian Finches (Fringillidae) and 10 Red Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) were concealed in a box. At the detection, it was found that 10 parakeets and 04 finches were died inside the box.
This is a violation of Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) read with Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Forfeited live birds were handed over to the Department of National Zoological Gardens.
