A drone camera operator has been arrested by wildlife officers for flying a drone over the Kasikota elephant migration corridor, obstructing elephants moving across the Galagamuwa–Kasikota main road in the North Western Wildlife Region.

The suspect was produced before the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court along with the drone camera as case exhibits, where he pleaded guilty. The case will be taken up again on a future date.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation noted that large crowds often gather near the Kasikota Elephant Underpass to watch elephants crossing the road, sometimes engaging in disruptive activities. 

Authorities warned the public to be mindful of the risk of possible loss of life, as elephants may chase people in such situations.

Issuing a statement, the Department stressed that wildlife officers will continue to take action against individuals conducting unauthorised drone filming, producing offenders and their equipment before court. (Newswire)

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The government has announced decisive measures to free three major elephant corridors, Wetahirakanda, Hadapanagala, and Koholankala, for the free movement of elephants, under the National Programme aimed at providing practical and sustainable solutions to the long‑standing human‑elephant conflict.

The initiative was revealed at a press conference held yesterday (08) at the Government Information Department, led by Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.

For years, these corridors had been obstructed due to irregular development projects and politically motivated land allocations, disrupting traditional migratory routes of elephants and intensifying the human‑elephant conflict. 

The new government has now moved to resolve legal, administrative, and social issues to restore these lands for wildlife.

As part of the programme, “Elephant Feeding Zones” will be established within wildlife reserves to prevent elephants from encroaching into villages. 

These zones will cultivate natural food sources such as grasses and plants, while tanks and ponds will be renovated to meet water needs during dry seasons. (Newswire)

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The construction of the first-ever railway underpass to conserve an elephant corridor commenced in the Getadiwula area in Galgamuwa today (Mar 01).

The project was launched under the auspices of Minister of Transportation Bandula Gunawardena. 

It is reported that the government had decided to commence the construction of underpasses due to the high number of elephant deaths as a result of colliding with trains. 

Accordingly, the government is set to identify elephant corridors along railway tracks to build the underpass. (NewsWire)

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