Businessman fined Rs. 2.1 mln for selling jewellery crafted with animal body parts

A businessman who had operated a store selling jewellery, ornaments and trinkets crafted using the body parts of protected wild animals to local and foreign tourists, has been fined Rs. 2.1 million.The order was issued yesterday (8) by the Ruwanwella Magistrate against the businessman, a resident of Kahathuduwa in Polgasowita.The suspect was arrested following a joint raid carried out on June 24 by wildlife officers attached to the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office and officials from the Kurunegala Assistant Director's Office of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.During the raid, officers had discovered that the jewellery store was manufacturing and selling pendants, rings, and other ornaments made using animal hair and body parts.After being produced before the Ruwanwella Magistrate's Court following his arrest, the suspect was ordered to appear before court again yesterday (8).Wildlife officers informed the court that the suspect had violated the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance by using the body parts of protected wild animals to produce jewellery.The items seized included jewellery and ornaments made from black coral, leopard teeth, elephant tail hair, elephant ivory, protected seashells, and elephant jawbone.Officers further stated that the suspect had fraudulently marketed the jewellery by claiming that wearing such ornaments could ward off misfortune and bring various benefits.Upon reviewing the case, the Magistrate found the suspect guilty and imposed a fine of Rs. 2.1 million.The court also permitted the fine to be paid in three installments and ordered the first installment of Rs. 700,000 to be paid on or before August 8, 2026.