Sri Lanka, Aug. 18 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that wildlife veterinarians who encounter life-threatening situations in the field to treat injured elephants and tigers, receive no additional allowances, not even a risk allowance, despite the dangers inherent to their work.

Addressing the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, which he co-chairs with Parliamentarian Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama, Premadasa cited a recent incident in which wildlife officers, including veterinarians, worked to save a tiger caught in a trap in the forest, receiving no special compensation for the risk involved. He called for these officers to be given a proper place within the Wildlife Department, new incentives, and promotions, stressing that they ...