He said the media reports that the government was planning to relocate 200 elephants were baseless and not true.

Disclaiming the report that a runway of the Mattala airport is built across an elephant corridor, he said that electric fences have been erected round the airport leaving out the elephant corridor.

He also said that a complete Environment Impact Assessment had been carried out for this project.

Commenting on the proposed Games City, the Director General said that necessary precautions will be taken to ensure wildlife conservation of the area and discussions are already underway to control environmental harm.

He further said none of the National Parks including Yala, Kumana and Lahugala will be affected by these development projects. The Director General also stressed that amendments are sought to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance not to facilitate development projects ahead of the Commonwealth Games, but, mainly to strengthen the laws and regulations related to Marine environment. He said that new laws pertaining to corals, aquatic life and flora will be introduced through this move.