The wild elephant popularly known as ‘Kawantissa’ has fallen ill in a paddy field near the Kala Oya, prompting wildlife authorities to intensify efforts to monitor its condition and provide treatment.
A Wildlife Department official said thermal-imaging drones would be deployed to monitor the ailing tusker’s behaviour at night to gather detailed information to support its treatment.
The measure was initiated following an inspection by Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, who stressed the importance of monitoring the elephant’s movements, water consumption and other activities during nighttime.
Kawantissa, which had been receiving treatment in the Galgamuwa area for an infected wound on one of its limbs, had migrated to the Thambuttegama area. Although its condition had reportedly improved following treatment, the elephant subsequently disappeared from the area.
Wildlife officials later tracked down the tusker and found it frequenting the Thambuttegama area, where it was suffering from diarrhoea.
Cranes and bulldozers have been kept on standby at the location to assist in lifting the elephant if necessary.
Wildlife officials have urged people in the surrounding areas to keep away from the ailing tusker, as veterinarians face difficulties in treating it under the current circumstances.
