An island off the coast of Jaffna has been declared a sanctuary for horses by the Sri Lankan government, reported The Island.
Wildlife Conservation Minister Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said yesterday that the government wants to protect and safeguard the animals. Zoysa also said that EPDP chief and Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda also requested the move.
Neduntheevu, also known as Delft, is tightly controlled by the Sri Lankan Navy and the paramilitary EPDP, with native Tamils suffering from the military presence for many years.
The government has been engaged in turning the island into a major tourist attraction. The island is known for its colony of feral horses and ponies, which were left behind by Portuguese and Dutch colonialists.
Delft Island turns into a major tourist attraction - Ministry of Defence (29 Sep 2013)
Sexual abuse rapidly escalates in Jaffna - Tamil Guardian (10 Mar 2012)
EPDP chairman of Neduntheevu civic body shot and killed - TamilNet (27 Nov 2013)
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