The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a special Wildlife Department office at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota to address the growing problem of wild elephants and other animals trespassing into the airport premises.
According to the government, the frequent movement of wild jumbos and other fauna into the airport area and across its access roads has become a serious concern, threatening the safety of passengers, airport staff, and infrastructure. These incidents have not only disrupted airport operations but have also led to significant repair costs for Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd, which manages the facility.
In response, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Minister of Environment to establish a dedicated wildlife office within the airport premises. The move aims to ensure that potential wildlife incursions can be detected early and managed effectively to prevent damage and operational delays.
Officials say the new office will enhance coordination between the Department of Wildlife Conservation and airport authorities, enabling swift response mechanisms and long-term mitigation strategies to protect both wildlife and aviation safety. (Newswire)