The Ministry of Public Security stated that it has not yet confirmed if the recent elephant killings are being carried out in an organised manner, but that investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that although the idea has been raised and a letter has been sent to the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya regarding the matter, it is not possible to come to any conclusions. “There is no clear information yet about whether this is an organised effort. I can’t say anything definite at this stage.”

However, he added that the Police is continuing operations to seize illegal firearms and crack down on related illegal activities, including elephant killings. He noted that a large number of weapons have already been recovered and that arrests are being made every day.

The statement comes following a request from the Ministry of Environment to the Acting IGP, calling for a special investigation into the rise in elephant deaths. The letter, signed by the Secretary to the ministry, K.R. Uduwawala, called for a dedicated programme to identify and prosecute those responsible for shooting elephants.