Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday formally appealed to Britain’s Prince William to support Sri Lanka’s wild elephant conservation efforts, warning that the escalating human–elephant conflict threatens both lives and biodiversity.
Premadasa met with British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick in Colombo to hand over a letter addressed to the Prince of Wales, highlighting Sri Lanka’s status as home to one of the largest populations of Asian elephants.
In the letter, Premadasa noted that the conflict claims more than 400 elephants and 150 human lives annually, stressing the urgent need for a science-based national conservation strategy. He proposed the creation of a National Elephant Conservation and Coexistence Initiative (NECCI), bringing together experts, communities and international partners under a long-term framework.
“Sri Lanka’s elephants are not just our national heritage — they are a treasure of global biodiversity. With His Royal Highness’s leadership and conservation network, we can build a sustainable future for both wildlife and our communities,” Premadasa said in a statement.
High Commissioner Patrick welcomed the initiative, describing Sri Lanka’s elephants as a “global treasure” and noting the UK’s support for biodiversity protection. “This initiative is both timely and necessary, and I commend the commitment to find lasting solutions for conservation and coexistence,” he said.
The letter will be transmitted by the British High Commission in Colombo to the office of Prince William in London. (Newswire)