The Kala Wewa Back to the Elephants project was successfully carried out over three days in the floodplains surrounding the Kala Wewa National Park, in line with the government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national programme.
According to the government, the tender grass that usually grows in these areas and serves as vital food for elephants has been destroyed due to the spread of invasive plant species, including common water hyacinth, across several tank beds in the North Central Province.
These grass varieties are rich in protein and highly favoured by wild elephants, and it is estimated that around 400 elephants inhabit the vicinity of Kala Wewa. A lack of adequate food has driven elephants into nearby villages, intensifying human–elephant conflicts.
In recent months, several people have died as a result of elephant attacks. The area is also heavily cultivated with paddy, as well as soya, maize, fruits and vegetables.
Accordingly, on 05th September, a project was launched to remove invasive plants, including Japanese Jabara, from the tank beds of Kala Wewa, Wewa Pitiya, Kalagama and Balalu Wewa.
The programme continued successfully on the 6th and 7th of September, during which more than 20 acres of land infested with invasive plants were completely cleared.
Coordinated by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the initiative brought together the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, the Civil Security Department, the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, voluntary organisations, environmentalists and local residents.
A significant number of participants, including Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament representing the Anuradhapura District and local council chairpersons and political representatives, also joined the effort.
The project aims to ensure the sustainable development of elephant habitats and is expected to be implemented in other parts of the island in the future. (Newswire)