(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – A sea lion was found floating in the sea off Unawatuna beach near the 87th kilometre post in Midigama, Weligama, on Sunday. Sea lions are not known to frequent Sri Lanka’s waters. Wildlife officials say this particular creature must have got drifted ashore due to the strong currents.
Mirissa residents notified the Mirissa Wildlife Office, Weligama Police and the Sri Lanka Navy who attempted to rescue the animal and send it back to the sea.
However, their efforts were in vain. According to wildlife officer Ravindra Pushpakumara, several wounds could be observed on the sea lion’s body.
Attempts by the Navy, Wildlife Officers, Mirissa Coast Guard and the Police to bring the animal back to the scene to treat it for its injuries were unsuccessful. The waves had then swept the animal into the deep sea.
