Businessman Dudley Sirisena has appealed to wildlife authorities to seek additional assistance to save the ailing tusker Kawanthissa, who has been receiving medical treatment over the past few days.
His appeal comes amid growing concerns over the elephant’s condition after it was reportedly spotted lying in a paddy field.
In a social media statement, Sirisena questioned whether the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the veterinary teams currently treating the elephant could manage the situation without additional support.
He urged authorities to identify what assistance was required to save the tusker, offering to provide any help necessary.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Dammika Patabedige recently conducted an emergency inspection to review Kawanthissa’s condition and the ongoing treatment plan.
The treatment is being coordinated by experts from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Department of National Zoological Gardens and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Peradeniya.
The minister has also instructed officials to arrange additional veterinary assistance, deploy thermal drone technology to monitor the elephant’s movements at night and coordinate with the armed forces for possible emergency support.
A 25-member emergency response team and specialized equipment, including lifting gear and heavy machinery, are also being considered in case urgent intervention becomes necessary.
Authorities are continuing daily reviews of the elephant’s condition and treatment plan. (Newswire)
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