A Crime against Nature: Legal Responses to Illicit Wildlife Trading

Abstract

Human beings aided trading and trafficking of endangered wild fauna and flora acrossthe geographical borders of the countries has become a paramount legal concern all around the world, especially for countries like Sri Lanka that has a rich biodiversity. Several attempts were made to prohibit and regulate the trading of such articles through multilateral environmental agreements signed by states. In response to these international obligations, Sri Lanka has enacted laws, established authoritative institutions and undertaken policy measures to combat cross border wildlife trade. These laws have been amended from time to time in accordance with the requirements resulting in increase of sanctions for violations. This review had utilized the doctrinal methodology in assessing the prevailing legal framework in Sri Lanka, relating to unregulated wildlife trade. The effectiveness of the legal measures is still in question as the illicit wildlife trade is still happening at an uncontrollable rate. Therefore, the existing legal regime calls for reforms in order to preserve endangered wild life from illegal trading in Sri Lanka