Sri Lanka, Dec. 10 -- Wildlife officers at the Hikkaduwa National Park arrested a man on December 7 for damaging corals during a routine patrol.

According to park officials, the suspect had broken corals and was found in possession of them at the time of arrest. He was produced before the Galle Magistrate's Court on December 8, together with the recovered corals.

The Magistrate imposed a fine of Rs. 120,000 and ordered that the damaged corals be returned to their original location.

Officers noted that damaging or possessing corals is a punishable offence under the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance. They further emphasised that harm to sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs results in severe long-term impacts on marine life and ...