The Department of Wildlife Conservation has decided to take legal action against motorists who feed wild elephants along the Kataragama–Buttala road, amid concerns that the practice has caused elephants to remain near the busy roadway and increased the risk of attacks on vehicles.

Wildlife officials say around eight wild elephants have become accustomed to stopping vehicles along the road in search of food.

More than 2,000 vehicles use the Kataragama–Buttala road daily, including vehicles carrying pilgrims to Kataragama and people travelling towards Monaragala, Wellawaya and Bandarawela.

Officials warned that some elephants have been reported to attack or attempt to overturn vehicles when they are not given food. In a recent incident, an elephant reportedly attacked a bus, causing it to overturn and leaving around 40 people injured. 

According to wildlife officials, three women and two men have been killed in elephant attacks along the road over the past six years, while more than 100 vehicles are damaged annually in such incidents.

The road passes through Zone No. 2 of the Yala National Park and is open for public travel. However, wildlife authorities stressed that feeding wild animals, including from vehicles, is illegal.

Officials said the elephants had not remained along the road during the COVID-19 pandemic when vehicle movements were restricted, and had instead relied on natural food sources within the forest.

The Department said the current behaviour had developed partly due to bus and safari jeep drivers regularly feeding the elephants.

According to reports, Uva Province Assistant Director of Wildlife W. A. Indrajith said officials would video-record vehicles involved in feeding elephants and initiate court action against those responsible under wildlife laws. (Newswire)

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Wildlife veterinarians have reported signs of improvement in the condition of Kawanthissa, the elephant receiving treatment after suffering gunshot injuries while roaming in the Siyambalangamuwa area.

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, a veterinary team continued treatment on Sunday (27), with officials observing that the swelling around the elephant’s injured area had reduced.

The veterinary team, which includes Wildlife Veterinarian Isuru Hewakottage, has been providing Kawanthissa with the necessary treatment as wildlife officials continue to monitor his condition.

Wildlife Department Officials have also observed that Kawanthissa is currently showing a greater tendency to remain in the water.

The Department said wildlife officers, led by the veterinary team, are continuing their efforts to provide the elephant with the necessary treatment. (Newswire)

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Wildlife veterinarians and officers are continuing treatment today (25) for ‘Kawanthissa’, the elephant of Siyambalangamuwa, as efforts remain underway to save the animal’s life, the Ministry of Environment said.

According to the Ministry, a wildlife team led by Dr. Isuru visited the location today and commenced administering the necessary treatment while continuing to monitor the elephant’s condition.

A veterinary team led by Dr. Pubudu had treated Kawanthissa yesterday, administering antibiotics and pain-relief medication for a wound on the front right leg of the elephant.

The Ministry said wildlife officers and veterinary teams are continuing their efforts despite difficult conditions at the location, including rainfall.

Responding to an inquiry by the Ministry, Veterinary Director Ms. Ganga said there were no issues concerning the medication being administered to the elephant.

She added that all necessary facilities and personnel remain on standby should Kawanthissa require emergency treatment or any additional medical intervention.

Meanwhile, on the instructions of the Minister and Deputy Minister of Environment, two teams have been deployed to continuously monitor Kawanthissa’s condition and ensure that the required treatment is provided without interruption. (Newswire)

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Wildlife authorities have commenced urgent veterinary treatment for a wound on the front right leg of the elephant known as “Kawanthissa,” which has been roaming in the Galgamuwa area.

Initial treatment for the injured leg commenced today (24) under the supervision of Veterinary Surgeon Adasuriya of the Nikaweratiya Veterinary Unit.

The Ministry of Environment said a special team from the Department of Wildlife Conservation launched an operation this morning in the area surrounding the Usgala Siyambalangamuwa Wewa, where Kawanthissa has been roaming.

The operation involved a special wildlife team led by veterinary surgeons, wildlife officers and special medical teams.

According to the Ministry, the teams are carrying out the necessary treatment after assessing Kawanthissa’s current condition, with particular attention being given to the wound on its front right leg.

The operation is being carried out with the intervention of Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi and the Ministry Secretary, while veterinary teams are acting on the instructions of Veterinary Director Dr. Ganga.

The Ministry said all necessary veterinary measures are being continuously implemented to ensure the elephant’s health and safety.

Wildlife officials and veterinary teams are also maintaining continuous monitoring of Kawanthissa as treatment continues. (Newswire)

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In a dramatic rescue, a 3-4-day-old elephant calf swept away by the strong currents of the Teesta River in northeastern India was rescued by local fishermen and reunited with its mother after nearly two hours of efforts.

The calf was separated from its mother while crossing the river and was swept downstream from the upper section of the Teesta Barrage. After spotting the helpless calf struggling in the current, fishermen Ajay Das, Rajesh Das, Gopal Das, Mittu Das and Bishwanath Das risked their lives to pull it from the water and bring it safely to a river island.

Forest personnel from the Baikunthapur Forest Division soon joined the rescue operation and began efforts to locate the mother.

The calf continued calling for its mother, prompting an emotional search. After nearly two hours, the rescue team successfully reunited the newborn with its mother in the Teesta’s river-island area at Gajoldoba.

The rescue has been hailed locally as a heartwarming example of compassion and wildlife conservation. (Darjeeling Chronicle)

Bless these two fishermen They rescued a helpless baby elephant being swept away by the raging Teesta River in West Bengal, then hugged the little one like their own. What a beautiful moment! Humanity at its finest. pic.twitter.com/Ap2pfBW2O0

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) September 22, 2026

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Sri Lanka has taken a decisive step to protect both wildlife and railway passengers with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce advanced technology aimed at preventing wild elephant–train collisions.

The MoU was signed yesterday (01) at the President’s Media Centre under the patronage of Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, coordinated through the Clean Sri Lanka programme. 

The initiative is being implemented as a public‑private partnership involving the Railway Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Forest Conservation Department, with full financial backing from People’s Bank.

The system features three‑beam detection, passive infrared (PIR) sensors, automatic temperature sensors, and tamper alarms capable of identifying animals weighing over 20 kilograms and detecting unauthorized interference. 

Signal lights (red/yellow/green) installed on either side of railway tracks, together with a special screen inside locomotive cabs, will alert drivers to the exact location of elephants in advance.

A demonstration test was successfully conducted at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, after which a technical report was prepared. 

The pilot project will begin next month at 13 high‑risk locations where elephant accidents are frequent. A newly developed website, slps.lk, will also be launched to allow the public to monitor project progress live.

The MoU was signed by Additional General Manager of Railways P.D.S.B. Chandrasena, Director General of Wildlife Conservation M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe, Conservator General of Forests S.C. Palamakuumbura, and People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda. 

Senior officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Railway Department, Wildlife Conservation Department, Forest Conservation Department, and People’s Bank were also present. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody announced in Parliament today that a Gazette notification on the provision of tamed elephants for peraheras will be issued shortly, formalising arrangements for their allocation to religious processions.

He made the announcement in response to a question raised by opposition MP Chamindrani Kiriella, who pointed out that a majority of elephants currently used in peraheras are between the ages of 65 and 70.

Jayakody clarified that the government has not taken any decision to stop providing elephants for peraheras or religious events.

“We have taken the necessary measures to ensure this service continues. Several court rulings required the removal of certain sections of the previous gazette. In consultation with the Ministry of Buddhasasana and subject experts, we have now prepared a new gazette. It is in its final stages and specifically addresses the provision of tamed elephants for peraheras,” he said.

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on regulating the use of elephants in cultural and religious events. (Newswire)

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The elephant known as Randeniya Bandara, previously referred to as the Warakagoda elephant and residing in Randeniya, Kegalle, is receiving medical treatment after being injured in a road accident in the Kurunegala–Melsiripura Omaragolla area.

According to reports, the accident occurred when the elephant was struck by a tipper truck driven recklessly and unsafely. 

The collision left the elephant seriously injured, prompting veterinarians to immediately begin primary medical treatment to stabilize its condition.

The incident has drawn concern among conservationists and the public, with prayers offered for the elephant’s recovery. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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A group of foreigners escaped unhurt after a wild elephant encounter near the entry point of the Sigiriya rock fortress. 

Video footage shows the group of four walking towards the entrance around 4.00 am when they came across the elephant. 

Acting on a warning from a security officer at the guard post, the women ran, but were chased by the animal. 

They eventually emerged unscathed, while the elephant was later seen walking away. (Newswire/ Video- Accident1st)

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A mahout and his assistant have died after being attacked by an elephant brought for the 78th Poson procession at the Sri Ubhayatilakārāma Temple in Rakwana, it was reported.

The Police said two elephants had been tied near the temple following the procession yesterday. 

On Monday morning, the mahout’s assistant led one of the elephants to the Rakwana River to provide water, when the animal suddenly turned aggressive and fatally attacked him.

Hearing the cries, the mahout rushed to the scene but was also attacked by the elephant and died on the spot.

After the incident, the elephant is reported to have run into a nearby paddy field. 

It is reported that Wildlife officers have since arrived at the location and are taking steps to tranquilize and capture the animal. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to draft a new National Action Plan for Human–Elephant Conflict Management, as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with escalating clashes between people and wild elephants.

According to the government, rapid population growth, deforestation, and expanding development projects have destroyed traditional migratory routes and habitats, intensifying the conflict across 19 districts and 134 Divisional Secretariat Divisions. 

The 2024 wild elephant census estimated the population at around 7,450, with the conflict causing significant annual losses, including human fatalities, elephant deaths, and over a thousand property damage incidents.

Although a national plan was introduced in 2020, authorities said the situation has evolved considerably, requiring a fresh framework.

The Cabinet endorsed the Environment Minister’s proposal to appoint a committee tasked with formulating a new action plan, aimed at strengthening conservation efforts while safeguarding communities. (Newswire)

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A 44‑year‑old man from Poonani has been arrested inside the Wadumuna Reserve in the Welikanda Police Division for allegedly killing an elephant with a locally‑manufactured firearm and cutting the animal into pieces.

The Police said the arrest was made on Tuesday (09) evening after officers, acting on intelligence, entered the reserve and surrounded the suspect. 

He was found in possession of a pair of elephant tusks and the firearm suspected to have been used in the killing.

Investigations have revealed that the elephant had been killed some time earlier.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court . Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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A 54‑year‑old woman was killed and 15 others injured when a van travelling from Polonnaruwa to Dehiattakandiya collided with a wild elephant in the Bandanagala area early this morning, the Police said.

The deceased was identified as a resident of Nagamuwa, Dehiattakandiya.

According to Siripura Police, the victims were part of a group of 16 relatives from Nagasthenna who had been returning home after a pilgrimage to Polonnaruwa. The accident occurred when the van struck an elephant attempting to cross the main road.

Among the injured were a five‑year‑old child and a 10‑month‑old infant. Ten of the injured were admitted to Dehiattakandiya Hospital, while those in critical condition were transferred to Polonnaruwa General Hospital.

Police confirmed that the woman succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. Investigations are continuing into the incident. (Newswire)

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A major accident was narrowly avoided when a train driver and a wildlife officer acted swiftly to prevent a collision with a wild elephant crossing the tracks between Habarana and Palugaswewa.

The incident occurred as the Batticaloa–Colombo train was travelling through the area. 

Mobile phone footage captured the elephant crossing the railway line, highlighting the tense moments as the train approached.

Thanks to the driver’s quick reflexes, the train was brought under control, averting disaster. 

At the same time, a wildlife officer travelling in the engine spotted the elephant and alerted the driver, ensuring another potential accident was avoided. (Newswire)

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Wildlife officials have reported the discovery of a dead elephant in a cultivation well at Kikilige Wewa, in Lunupahichchawa village within the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat area.

According to Dinamina newspaper, the carcass is of a male elephant, about 7 feet tall and estimated to be around 30 years old. 

Villagers said the animal had long been suffering from a leg injury and often entered water bodies to ease its pain.

According to residents, the elephant had descended into the agricultural well and died there, with the body remaining submerged for several days before being noticed due to the stench.

The Medawachchiya Wildlife Office has launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire/ Image- Dinamina)

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Investigations have been launched by officials of the Anuradhapura Range regarding a video showing a man setting fire to an elephant in the Mihintale Seeppukulama, Ambagahawela area.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation stated that information on the elephant’s death will be reported to the court today (17).

Issuing a statement, the department noted that the suspect who set fire to the elephant has not yet been arrested.

Officials of the Anuradhapura Range, together with officers of the Army Intelligence Service, are continuing investigations to apprehend the suspect.

The elephant, a male aged around 50–55 years and about nine feet tall, had previously been found in the same area with a gunshot wound to its front left leg. 

It had been treated by officers of the Pandulagama Veterinary Office on 14 May, 4 June, and 3 July 2025, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Afterwards, no further reports were received about the elephant, though Anuradhapura Range officials continued monitoring it.

However, yesterday (16 Dec), the elephant was found collapsed on land in the Seeppukulama, Ambagahawela area, suffering from burn injuries and the earlier gunshot wound. 

Following notification by Anuradhapura wildlife officers, veterinary surgeon Madhuwanthi and staff from the Pandulagama Veterinary Office arrived and administered treatment, but the elephant died during the process. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says all those involved in killing the elephant at Seeppukulama in Mihintale must be punished without discrimination.

In a special message on social media, Premadasa said that a group had set fire to the elephant in the Ambagaha Wewa area of Mihintale, Anuradhapura District, describing it as a vile, despicable and disgraceful act. 

He stressed that everyone responsible must be brought before the law, and that the government, the Wildlife Department, and civil society must work together to prevent such barbaric incidents.

Premadasa also paid tribute to the wildlife veterinarians and officials who treated the sick elephant, expressing gratitude for their service. He emphasized that such heinous acts must be condemned by the entire nation and stopped immediately.

He further noted that the legal process against those involved should be implemented without delay, to demonstrate that anyone committing such acts will be held accountable. As an environmentalist, he expressed sorrow over the incident, highlighting that human–elephant conflict is increasing in Sri Lanka and requires a clear, community‑based programme to minimize it.

Premadasa added that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is committed to supporting efforts to resolve the human–elephant conflict and protect both human and elephant lives. He called for strengthening the resource‑strapped Wildlife Department with adequate human and physical resources, and for implementing a national programme to prevent human–elephant conflict. He also stressed the need for a national awareness campaign starting from schools in areas where human–elephant and human–wildlife conflicts occur.

Premadasa concluded that the government has failed to implement a clear programme to prevent the human–elephant conflict, and therefore an urgent national plan must be introduced. (Newswire)

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A wild elephant was reported on the Southern Expressway close to an exit point recently.

Video footage shows the elephant walking towards oncoming vehicles, halting traffic.

Several vehicles were seen slowing down and being forced to drive away cautiously. (Newswire)

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A group of environmental activists has filed a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court, requesting legal action against the 67-year-old train driver involved in the incident where seven elephants were killed by the Meenagaya train in the Habarana area last February.

The petitioners have urged that the General Manager of Railways and other authorities be ordered to take disciplinary measures, pointing out that no disciplinary action has yet been taken against the train driver involved in the incident, and that he continues to remain in service.

The petition calls for a formal investigation into the elephant deaths caused by the train collision and requests that disciplinary action be taken against the train driver and other relevant staff involved in the incident.

The petition was filed by environmental activists K. Priyadarshani S.R. Adikaram, L.A.R. Chandrasantha, Anusha David, and L.V.J. Chandrasantha.

Twelve individuals have been named as respondents in the petition, including the General Manager of Railways, the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the Director General of Wildlife Conservation, the Minister of Environment, and the Minister of Transport.

According to the petitioners, on February 19, the Meenagaya train travelling on the Colombo–Batticaloa railway line struck seven elephants. Six elephants died at the scene, and a wounded calf later succumbed to its injuries.

The petitioners also highlight that additional elephant deaths due to train collisions occurred on March 3, May 2, and August 7 this year.

They allege that despite the rising number of elephant deaths from train collisions, both the railway authorities and the Department of Wildlife Conservation have failed to take effective preventive measures.

In 2023, there were 488 recorded elephant deaths, 24 of which were caused by train collisions. In 2024, 386 elephant deaths were recorded, with 11 attributed to train collisions.

The petitioners request the court to order the General Manager of Railways to submit a report within three months detailing the measures and actions taken to prevent the increasing number of elephant deaths.

Additionally, the petition seeks an interim order preventing train drivers who have exceeded retirement age from operating trains between Gal Oya Junction and Batticaloa Station, and between Gal Oya Junction and Trincomalee Station. (Newswire)

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The Thai government is set to hold talks with Sri Lanka next week (28) to bring back two elephants that were gifted by Thailand, following reports of poor living conditions and alleged mistreatment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Suchart Chomklin, wrote on his Facebook page yesterday (23) that he plans to fly urgently to Sri Lanka amid growing concerns about the welfare of the two Thai elephants, Plai Pratu Pha and Plai Srinarong.

Concerns were first raised last year by the Reclaim Thai Elephant group. The group’s coordinator, Yuwanuch Kiattiwong, together with 50 members, visited the MONRE to submit an official letter urging the government to take action over the elephants’ poor living conditions.

According to the group, the elephants, which were originally gifted by Thailand, have been forced to work excessively and deprived of proper welfare standards. The animals were reportedly kept in chains at all times and beaten. The group called for their immediate return to Thailand to ensure a better quality of life.

In his Facebook post, Suchart explained that he, PM Anutin Charnvirakul, and other Thai government agencies are closely monitoring the situation and have not ignored the issue.

Suchart stated that he had discussed the matter with PM Anutin, who approved diplomatic efforts to coordinate with all relevant agencies to bring the elephants home. However, he noted that the process may take some time.

In the meantime, Suchart, along with relevant officials and veterinarians, will travel to Sri Lanka to assess the elephants’ health and living conditions. The team will also advise local caretakers to provide proper care while diplomatic discussions continue.

The Director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Attaphon Charoenchansa, confirmed that he will accompany Suchart on the trip.

Attaphon stated that if negotiations are successful, officials plan to follow the same model used for the return of Plai Sak Surin, another elephant previously gifted to Sri Lanka and successfully brought back to Thailand in 2023.

According to a report by The Standard, Plai Pratu Pha was the first elephant sent to Sri Lanka in 1979 when he was 12 years old. He currently resides at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy.

Plai Srinarong was sent in 2001 together with Plai Sak Surin. While Plai Sak Surin has already been rescued and returned to Thailand, Plai Srinarong remains at an elephant shelter near the Kirivehera Temple in Kataragama. (Thaiger)

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