The Government launched an islandwide operation named ‘Hasthi Sena’ (Elephant Force) in Galkiriyagama on Monday to protect elephants and reduce human-elephant conflict.
The Ministry of Environment said the launch took place in the North Western Wildlife Zone. The initial phase will focus on 17 elephants that have been identified as being at risk.
The programme is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Tri-Forces. It will operate under the direct supervision of Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne.
The Environment Minister said at the launch that the operation is expected to cover about 80 percent of the areas inhabited by elephants. The remaining 20 percent will be addressed through a separate programme, the Minister said.
The Ministry said 60 military personnel took part in the first operation, working in 10 operational teams organised under six groups.
The operation includes continuous raids and legal action against the use of illegal firearms, hakka patas (explosive bait), unauthorised electric fences and snares.
North Western Province Wildlife Director Pushpantha Wimaladasa and Environment Ministry Adviser Ravindra Kariyawasam attended the launch, along with several senior military officers. The authorities said the work would follow scientific and planned measures.
Background
Human-elephant conflict has long been one of the main wildlife issues in rural Sri Lanka. Elephants enter farmland and villages in search of food, and farmers have in the past used illegal methods to keep them away from crops.
The Ministry named several threats to elephants. Hakka patas are food items packed with explosives, which can cause severe injuries when an animal bites them. Unauthorised electric fences and snares can also injure or kill elephants.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation is the body responsible for enforcing wildlife protection law in the country. Involving the Tri-Forces adds personnel to the field work, which the Ministry says will be carried out alongside the department’s own officers.
What it means
For people living in areas where elephants roam, the Ministry’s stated aim is to reduce the threats that arise from human-elephant conflict. The operation is meant to cover most of the elephant range in the country, according to the Minister.
Anyone who uses illegal firearms, explosive bait, unauthorised electric fences or snares can expect raids and legal action under the programme, the Ministry said. Farmers who rely on electric fencing should check that the fence they use is authorised.
