The Tusker Tragedy:
by Prof. MPS Magamage
Wildlife veterinarians in Sri Lanka work under extremely challenging conditions, often with limited facilities, inadequate emergency support systems, and no sufficient life insurance or occupational protection commensurate with the risks they face. Yet, when an unfortunate incident occurs, these professionals are expected to accept accountability, sometimes without adequate institutional support or recognition of the practical constraints under which they work.
The situation is further complicated by internal institutional inequalities and interprofessional conflicts within departments. These issues must be acknowledged and addressed if we are to build a more effective, accountable, and supportive wildlife conservation system. Political negligence and irresponsible or disrespectful statements by political leaders can further aggravate an already sensitive human–elephant conflict. This escalating tread of killing giants in Sri Lanka is the best example for political incompetence, poor statements and political incorrectness.
When farmers feel neglected, frustrated, and unsupported, tensions may escalate, putting both human lives and wildlife at risk. Elephants may be chased, harassed, or even shot as a consequence of these escalating tensions Accountability must be accompanied by institutional responsibility, professional respect, and adequate resources. It is neither fair nor constructive to demand accountability from frontline professionals while overlooking the systemic failures, inadequate facilities, and lack of support that constrain their work.
The death of Tusker Kawanthissa should therefore be a wake-up call for all stakeholders not an opportunity for political confrontation, public condemnation, or professional divisions. Politicians, wildlife authorities, veterinarians, farmers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts must recognise that emotional reactions and accusatory statements will not resolve these complex problems.
What Sri Lanka needs now is an intelligent, evidence-based, and collaborative approach that strengthens wildlife veterinary services, improves emergency response mechanisms, provides appropriate occupational protection, supports affected farming communities, and promotes effective human–elephant conflict mitigation.
We must also encourage respectful dialogue and cooperation among professionals within and across institutions. Differences of opinion are inevitable, but they should be resolved through constructive discussion, scientific evidence, transparent investigations, and fair administrative procedures not confrontation or personal attacks.
Protecting wildlife veterinarians, safeguarding farmers, and conserving elephants are interconnected responsibilities. None should be sacrificed to political interests, institutional rivalries, or public pressure.
Let the tragedy of Kawanthissa become an opportunity to reform the system, strengthen professional unity, and develop sustainable solutions. The way forward is not confrontation, but leadership, accountability, compassion, and collective responsibility.
The writer is a Professor of Livestock Production, Veterinarian, and former Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. He previously served as Chairman of the National Livestock Development Board of Sri Lanka.
A Fulbright Scholar, Indian Science Research Fellow, Australian Endeavour Fellow, and Visiting Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, he has extensive international experience in Veterinary Medicine, animal biotechnology, reproductive biology, livestock production, higher education, research, and academic leadership.
magamage@agri.sab.ac.lk/mmagamage2@gmail.com