Sri Lanka to take stern action against whale, dolphin hunting

The Sri Lankan government said yesterday it would take stern legal action against any groups or individuals involved in dolphin and whale hunting.

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said he had requested the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard to be on alert against the illegal hunting.

Dolphins and whales are among the species prohibited of hunting under international law.

Amaraweera said that it was a prime duty of the nation to safeguard these mammals.

He further said that fishers involved in such illegal acts would have their permits terminated.

Sri Lanka, which is situated within the international whaling commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean, is becoming a major tourist spot for watching whales and dolphins.