• Cites coordinated efforts and close monitoring for same 

The Ministry of Environment stated that, with due attention, the recent increase in elephant killings and deaths has now been reduced to a satisfactory extent.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said that there was a slight increase in elephant deaths and killings in the recent past. “The Criminal Investigation Department carried out an investigation into the incidents. Through coordinated efforts and close monitoring, we have been able to reduce the number of such incidents to a satisfactory extent.”

His remarks follow a series of investigations launched in response to a rise in elephant deaths and killings, which had prompted the ministry to request a special inquiry from the then Acting Inspector General of Police, attorney Priyantha Weerasooriya.

Earlier, Ministry of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that although it had not been confirmed whether the elephant killings were being carried out in an organised manner, investigations into the matter were ongoing. He said that Police operations to seize illegal firearms used for various illegal activities including animal killings were continuing.