Colombo, Oct. 19 (Daily Mirror) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate the death of tusker Kavanthissa in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around October 16 and recommend a national elephant conservation programme.
The committee has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death, including its immediate and underlying causes, and determining whether any lapses or negligence occurred during its treatment, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Former Ministry Secretary A. H. Sarath Wijesinghe will chair the committee, which comprises Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A. G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U. K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Attorney-at-Law Charaka Jayaratne.
Additional Secretary to the President W. W. Harrison will coordinate the committee’s work.
The committee will also develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme.
It has been authorised to seek assistance from local and international experts in carrying out its investigations and formulating recommendations.
The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days. The report will include its findings on Kavanthissa’s death, a proposed framework for standard operating procedures on wild elephant welfare and recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme.
The appointment comes following public concern over the death of the tusker, which had been receiving treatment for an injured front leg.