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Reported / alleged

Machinery reported on sea turtle nesting beach — Southern coast

Witnesses reported heavy machinery levelling sand on a known turtle nesting beach, and the removal of nest markers. We have asked the coastal authority whether the work was permitted. No finding has been made.

What is known

Machinery was present on the beach and nest markers were removed.

What is not yet known

Whether the work had a permit, and whether any nests were destroyed.

Timeline

  1. Reported / alleged

    Two separate witnesses reported machinery levelling sand on the nesting beach.

  2. Corroborated

    A local conservation group confirmed that its nest markers had been removed.

    Source: Statement from local turtle conservation volunteers, Demo Turtle Conservation Group

Questions to authorities

Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department Awaiting response

Asked whether a permit was issued for earthworks on this beach during nesting season.

Sent 11 Oct 2026 · Email

Sri Lanka Police Follow-up due

Referred the reported removal of nest markers for any action the police consider appropriate.

Sent 1 Oct 2026 · Email