The Wildlife Conservation Department has launched an investigation into the death of a wild elephant whose carcass was discovered in a forested area near a paddy field adjacent to the Kayangollawa Wewa in Kahatagasdigiliya. The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence personnel and Wildlife Conservation officers have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those suspected of being involved in the incident. The elephant's left tusk had been removed, with Wildlife Conservation officials suspecting that it had been severed using a tool after the animal's death.
The incident was scheduled to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate's Court yesterday (2). A post-mortem examination is to be conducted by the Wildlife Veterinary Unit in Pandulagama to establish the circumstances surrounding the elephant's death. Wildlife Conservation officers and Civil Defense personnel have been deployed to safeguard the carcass as investigations into the incident continue.
The deceased elephant was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years of age and approximately seven feet in height.
Meanwhile, the Hasthi Sena operation, launched island-wide with the aim of protecting elephants and mitigating the human-elephant conflict (HEC), commenced yesterday in Galkiriyagama of the North-Western Wildlife Region. The operation is being jointly implemented by the Environment Ministry, the Tri-Forces and the Department. It is designed as a scientifically planned programme to minimise threats to elephant populations and reduce the HEC.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi stated that the operation was initially launched with a focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. The programme is expected to cover approximately 80 per cent of areas inhabited by elephants, while the remaining 20% will be addressed through a separate programme. As part of the initiative, continuous raids and legal action will also be undertaken against illegal firearms, hakka patas, unauthorised electric fences and snares that threaten the lives of elephants.
A team of 60 military personnel will contribute to the operation, with 10 operational teams functioning under six groups. The island-wide initiative will be carried out under the direct supervision of Army Commander, Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne. The Hasthi Sena operation is expected to continue through coordinated, scientifically planned measures, with the support of the relevant Government institutions and the security forces, to safeguard elephant populations and minimise the HEC.