October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard 13 wild elephants identified as requiring urgent attention, warning that the involvement of the security forces is crucial to ensuring their continued protection.
Addressing a briefing in Colombo, the organisation’s Chief Organiser Chandika Lakmal stressed that a coordinated response was needed to protect elephants facing potentially dangerous circumstances, with particular attention required for animals such as Agbo and an elephant known as Wasala.
Lakmal identified Agbo as one of the elephants requiring the most urgent intervention, while emphasising that Wasala’s circumstances also warranted close monitoring and appropriate protective measures.
The organisation’s list of 13 elephants includes Mahanama, Bundala Kashyapa, Suranimala, Sumedha, Surya, Maha, Mahasena, Deegabhaya, Gajabahu and Wanniyan, in addition to Agbo and Wasala.
According to Lakmal, the elephants’ habitats and behavioural patterns make it necessary for authorities to adopt a more comprehensive approach to their protection. He called for security personnel to be involved where necessary, arguing that the relevant authorities must act without delay to minimise risks to the animals.
The appeal comes amid renewed public concern over the protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants following the death of Kavantissa, an incident that has prompted fresh scrutiny of the country’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Lakmal also expressed strong reservations about a remark reportedly made by the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation in the aftermath of Kavantissa’s death.
According to the organiser, the official had questioned whether 45 years of caring for the elephant had been sufficient. Lakmal said the comment was subsequently withdrawn, but maintained that the underlying attitude reflected in the reported statement was deeply troubling.
“We strongly disagree with this statement. If such a view is adopted, we will not be able to protect even the elephants that remain,” Lakmal said.
The organisation warned that the loss of individual elephants should prompt a more serious examination of the measures being taken to protect those still alive, rather than lead to a diminished commitment to their conservation.
Sri Lanka’s wild elephants face a range of challenges, making effective coordination among wildlife officials, security personnel and other relevant institutions important wherever intervention is required. The organisation’s appeal highlights the need to assess risks on a case-by-case basis and ensure that protective action is appropriate to each animal’s circumstances.
Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka has called on the authorities to give priority to the 13 elephants it has identified and strengthen efforts to prevent further losses. It maintains that timely intervention, effective coordination and sustained attention to wildlife protection are essential to safeguarding the country’s remaining elephant population.
