Gampaha Wildlife officer Devanee Jayathileke has been summoned to the Wildlife Department head office for an inquiry into her conduct, a highly placed source familiar with the matter told Asian Mirror.

The development took place after she intervened to protect a Crudia Zeylanica tree which was on the brink of becoming extinct. The tree, which has been featured on the IUCN red list due to its rarity, was about to be removed to facilitate the construction of the Central Expressway

However, Jayathileke is reportedly under investigation for speaking to the media about the matter without prior approval from the Department.

She was also instrumental in protecting a mangrove patch in the Negombo lagoon from villagers who wanted to construct a playground in the area. She boldly expressed her views at a meeting attended by State Minister Sanath Nishantha.