Sinhala officials from the Wildlife Conservation Department attacked and burnt the huts of cattle herders in Mathavanai, Batticaloa.
On the evening of April 20, five officials arrived in a vehicle and entered the homes of the cattle herders, villagers said, describing the officials as drunk.
Shouting in Sinhala, the officials attacked one of the herders, Vadivel Somalingam and arrested him.
The herders filed a complaint with the police the following day.
On April 22, the officials returned, vandalising the homes and looting belongings and food items.
