The Environment Ministry has agreed with the Army and the other armed forces to step up joint raids in areas hit by human-elephant conflict, as part of a drive against elephant killings and other wildlife crime.
The decision was taken at a meeting at the Ministry of Environment on 23 October, chaired by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody. Army Commander Lieutenant General K. V. Nilantha P. Premarathne attended, along with officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Tri-Forces, military intelligence and drone operations units, and voluntary environmental organisations.
The talks covered stronger legal measures against the killing of wild elephants and the use of improvised explosive baits known as “hakka patas”. Participants also discussed a more reliable system for reporting wildlife crimes so that agencies can share information quickly and act together.
The planned joint programme includes a dedicated operations room at Army Headquarters, where wildlife officers, veterinarians and Tri-Forces personnel would coordinate conservation and emergency work. Special military security detachments would monitor the movements of vulnerable tuskers in areas identified as high risk.
Under a separate part of the plan, the Department of Wildlife Conservation will train military personnel on elephant behaviour and how to handle wild elephants in the field. The military will also provide accommodation and field research facilities inside its camps for wildlife officers.
The meeting also looked at how to manage public gatherings when an elephant falls ill or is injured, because crowds and other disturbances can make it harder for wildlife officers and veterinarians to treat the animal.
Background
The talks came as a rescue operation continued in the Sammanthurai area of the Ampara District, where a male wild elephant estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old collapsed. According to the Ministry of Environment, the animal looks well built but has an unusually swollen abdomen and no visible external injuries.
Veterinary officials suspect poisoning or a blockage in the digestive system caused by indigestible material such as polythene, the Ministry said. Antibiotics were given on 22 October, and wildlife officers are at the site day and night to monitor the elephant and give medication on schedule.
Heavy rain has flooded the spot where the elephant lies, so officials are laying sand to prepare firm ground for treatment. The Army has deployed 10 personnel and police are also helping. The Eastern Regional Wildlife Veterinary Unit, the Ampara Wildlife Range Office and the Sammanthurai Beat Office are coordinating the treatment.
What it means
For villages in areas affected by human-elephant conflict, the plan points to more patrols, drone monitoring and military presence around vulnerable animals. Wild elephants are a protected species in Sri Lanka, and the changes under discussion are aimed at enforcement against those who kill them or set explosive baits.
Residents who come across an injured or sick elephant may be asked to keep away from the animal, since officials said crowds can complicate treatment.
