Colombo, Oct. 18 (Daily Mirror) - An independent investigation will be conducted into the death of iconic tusker Kawanthissa to determine whether any errors occurred during its treatment or whether the elephant was deliberately harmed, Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi said.
Speaking to the media following an event in Kilinochchi, the Minister said an independent investigative team would be appointed to examine the circumstances surrounding the tusker’s death.
“We intend to appoint an independent investigative team to determine whether any mistakes occurred or whether there was any deliberate act to harm the elephant,” he said.
The Minister said the veterinary team had made every possible effort to save the animal, adding that the level of intervention provided may not have been extended to any other elephant.
Expressing regret over the tusker’s death, he said the Ministry of Environment shared the grief of those mourning the loss.
He said steps would also be taken to improve the procedures followed by veterinary services and the Department of Wildlife Conservation when treating sick animals.
The Minister added that authorities would investigate whether the elephant had been deliberately harmed without their knowledge and that strict action would be taken if any wrongdoing was established.