Three wild elephants have died in separate incidents reported from various parts of Sri Lanka.
According to state TV, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, the deaths occurred in the areas of Polonnaruwa–Gallella, Girandurukotte, and Buttala.
One elephant that was struck by a train travelling from Colombo to Batticaloa around 5:30 am today was found dead in the Kanduruwela–Gallella area.
In Girandurukotte, residents discovered the body of a 25-year-old elephant near a canal adjacent to the Water Supply Board.
Wildlife officers from Mahiyanganaya initiated an investigation and noted gunshot wounds across the elephant’s body, suggesting it may have died from being shot.
Locals reported that the elephant had been causing damage to homes during both day and night, severely affecting daily life. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the body of another elephant was found yesterday in a cultivated field in the Buttala–Mahagodaya area.
The elephant was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old, but police stated that the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. (Newswire)
