Colombo, Oct. 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Environment Minister has instructed the Director General of Wildlife to place all wildlife offices in areas frequented by Kavantissa, Sri Lanka’s tallest living tusker, on high alert as authorities continue to monitor the elephant’s health and provide necessary medical treatment.
Officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and veterinarians are holding daily online discussions under the Minister’s direction to assess the elephant’s health, ensure the uninterrupted provision of medical care and determine further action based on its condition.
The Minister, Deputy Minister of Environment, Ministry Secretary and Director General of Wildlife held an online discussion with the veterinary team last night to review the ongoing operations.
Four veterinarians, Ganga, Chandana, Dharmakeerthi and Isuru, are working with wildlife officials to monitor Kavantissa’s condition and administer necessary treatment.
A special team has also been deployed to monitor changes in the elephant’s movements, including at night.
The Minister has instructed officials to promptly provide the necessary medical facilities, equipment and other resources, with future treatment decisions to be based on the elephant’s changing health condition and behavioural patterns.
Arrangements have also been made to provide additional assistance through the Minister’s intervention whenever necessary.
The Director General of Wildlife has been directed to ensure that field officers remain on high alert and continue security and monitoring operations in areas including Galgamuwa, Giribawa and Meegalewa, where Kavantissa roams.
The Deputy Minister has also inquired about the progress of the operations and instructed the Director General to take further necessary action.
Authorities said coordinated efforts were continuing to safeguard Kavantissa and ensure that the elephant receives appropriate medical treatment and other necessary facilities based on its condition.