Colombo, October 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka organisarion has called for urgent intervention to protect 13 wild elephants across the country, warning that the involvement of security forces is essential to ensure their safety.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the organisation’s Chief Organiser, Chandika Lakmal, identified Agbo and an elephant known as Wasala among those requiring particularly close attention.
“Agbo is one of the elephants requiring the most critical attention. Another elephant, known as Wasala, is also living in a situation that demands intense focus. We are paying special attention to him as well,” he said.
The list of 13 elephants identified by the organisation also includes Mahanama, Bundala Kashyapa, Suranimala, Sumedha, Surya, Maha, Mahasena, Deegabhaya, Gajabahu and Wanniyan.
Lakmal said the elephants’ habitats and behaviour made the involvement of security forces essential to their protection, urging authorities to take immediate measures to safeguard them.
He also expressed concern over a remark reportedly made by the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation following the death of the elephant Kavantissa.
According to Lakmal, the official had questioned whether 45 years of looking after the elephant was sufficient, a statement that was subsequently retracted.
“We strongly disagree with this statement. If such a view is adopted, we will not be able to protect even the elephants that remain,” Lakmal said.
The organisation’s appeal comes amid renewed concerns over the protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants following Kavantissa’s death. It called for greater attention to be given to elephants facing risks and for authorities to take effective action to ensure their continued protection.
