Colombo, Oct. 23 (Daily Mirror) - Joint emergency raids will be intensified in areas affected by human-elephant conflict as authorities move to strengthen measures against elephant killings and other wildlife-related crimes.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Environment on October 23, chaired by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Tri-Forces, military intelligence and drone operations units, and voluntary environmental organisations.
Discussions focused on strengthening legal measures to prevent the killing of wild elephants, the use of improvised explosive baits known as hakka patas, and other offences affecting wildlife.
Authorities also discussed introducing a more reliable reporting mechanism for wildlife crimes to improve the timely sharing of information and facilitate coordinated action by relevant agencies.
Special attention was given to managing public gatherings when elephants become ill or injured, as crowds and other disturbances can complicate efforts by wildlife officers and veterinarians to treat the animals.
The proposed joint protection programme will include a dedicated operations room at Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, with wildlife officers, veterinarians and Tri-Forces personnel working together to coordinate conservation and emergency response activities.
Special military security detachments will also monitor the movements of vulnerable tuskers identified in high-risk areas.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation will provide specialised training to military personnel on elephant behaviour and field handling, while the military will provide accommodation and field research facilities at military camps for wildlife officers.
The initiative aims to strengthen enforcement, improve coordination among government agencies and reduce threats to wild elephants and other wildlife.