Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for stronger measures to protect Sri Lanka’s elephant population, stating that the death of the tusker Kawanthissa must serve as a lesson to end the longstanding culture of elephant killings in the country.
Addressing the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, Premadasa said Kawanthissa’s death should be recognised as a killing, highlighting the need for effective solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He emphasised that elephants and tuskers must be recognised as part of Sri Lanka’s national and cultural heritage and protected through a dedicated conservation programme.
The Opposition Leader proposed introducing a comprehensive conservation strategy specifically focused on elephants, alongside a national land-use plan and a people-centred environmental protection programme.
Highlighting the limited human and physical resources available to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Premadasa called for greater state support to strengthen elephant conservation efforts.
He also raised concerns over the declining number of large-tusked elephants in Sri Lanka, calling for further investigations into the issue.
Premadasa proposed establishing a dedicated hotline to report sick elephants and tuskers, while urging the Department of Wildlife Conservation and organisations involved in elephant welfare to work together.
He further stated that the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change was prepared to provide several multiparameter monitors required by veterinarians treating elephants.
The Opposition Leader also stressed the importance of involving civil society organisations and environmental activists in conservation efforts to prevent further elephant killings.
Meanwhile, addressing broader environmental concerns, Premadasa called for increased public awareness of the effects of El Niño and La Niña conditions, particularly at the grassroots level.
He said awareness programmes should reach communities across all Grama Niladhari divisions to improve public understanding of climate-related risks and environmental conservation.
Premadasa and Professor L. M. Abeywickrama serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change. (Newswire)