The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows:

¶ 02 (a)(i) Yes.

¶ 03 (ii) As at 31.03.2026, the approved cadre and the number in position are set out in Annex 01.

¶ 04 Annex 01 — Department of Wildlife Conservation: Approved cadre and number in position as at 31.03.2026 - Director General; Additional Director General(s); Directors (Administration, Wildlife Health); officers of the Sri Lanka Scientific Service; Sri Lanka Administrative Service; and other departmental and common service positions, including ICT Assistants, Heavy Vehicle Operators, Electricians, Drivers (Integrated Drivers’ Service), Storekeepers, Assistant Storekeepers, Machine Operators, Boat Operators, Office Employees, and Field Assistants. (Detailed figures provided in the annex table.)

¶ 05 (iii) As at 31.03.2026, vacancies by post are set out in Annex 02.

¶ 06 Annex 02 — Department of Wildlife Conservation: Vacancies as at 31.03.2026 - Vacancies across Sri Lanka Scientific Service, Sri Lanka Technological Service (e.g., Veterinary Surgeons, Mechanical Engineers), Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service, Development Officers’ Service, Wildlife Park Rangers, Wildlife Guards, Drivers (Integrated Drivers’ Service), Heavy Vehicle Operators, Storekeepers/Assistant Storekeepers, Field Assistants, and other departmental grades. (Detailed figures provided in the annex table.)

¶ 07 (iv) Due to limitations on public service recruitment and retirements, a significant number of vacancies existed. Approval for recruitment was granted in 2025, and necessary steps are being taken. - Competitive examinations to recruit 149 Wildlife Park Rangers and 381 Wildlife Guards have been conducted and are concluding; ensuing steps will follow receipt of results from the Department of Examinations. - Recruitment processes for 17 Storekeeper vacancies were completed; 15 successful candidates received appointments on 28.04.2026. - Approximately 3,500 Electric Fence Maintenance Assistants were recruited in June 2025 for deployment in areas with human-elephant conflict. - On the direction of H.E. the President, 5,000 Civil Security Department personnel have been seconded to the Department and deployed in human-elephant conflict areas. A proposal to absorb them permanently into the Department has been submitted to the Department of Management Services. - Owing to past policy, the Department could not procure required vehicles; with the policy shift permitting vehicle imports, procurement is underway for 84 single-cab pickups, 16 double-cab pickups, 9 four-wheel tractors, 2 two-wheel tractors, and 181 motorcycles through the Government procurement process.

¶ 08 (b) Not applicable.