Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarchchi was present at the ceremony organized by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Ministry of Finance, Wildlife Conservation Department and the Customs Department.

The multi- million dollar worth consignment of blood ivory which had originated from the African Continent was confiscated by the customs in 2012. In keeping with a government decision the illegal elephant tusks were destroyed today in the presence of state officials, international conservationists and the general public. The event was held to coincide with the International Customs Day.

During the event a symbolic religious observance was held as a last right for the elephants killed for their tusks. A first day cover with a set of seven postage stamps was also issued today.

Members of the Maha Sangha, religious dignitaries, Hon. Ministers including Gamini Jayawickrama Perera and Ravi Karunanayake, Director General of CITES John Scanlon, tri forces commanders, members of the diplomatic corps, state officials and a large number of school children were also present at the occasion.