Urgent Measures to Address Human-Elephant Conflict
June 02, 2025A high-level discussion was convened today (June 2) at the Nila Medura in Narahenpita, Colombo 5 under the patronage of the Minister of Public Administration, Local Government, and Provincial Councils, Dr. A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), to discuss on finding sustainable solutions for mitigating the escalating human-elephant conflict in the Puttalam District.
Special focus was given to addressing the impact of destructions caused by wild elephants on agricultural lands and livelihood of people, particularly in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Pallama, Arachchikattuwa, Anamaduwa, Puttalam, Wanathavilluwa, Karuwalagaswewa, and Nawagaththegama. Measures aimed at relocating elephants that have encroached on villages to the Wilpattu and Thabbowa protected reserves were extensively discussed. The praise worthy contribution of the tri-services in the ongoing conservation efforts were also recognised during the discussion.
Key strategies proposed at the meeting include; designation of protected areas for elephants, use of advanced elephant fencing and real-time monitoring mechanisms, community awareness initiatives to promote sustainable human-elephant coexistence.
The discussion saw the participation of senior officials, including the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Commander, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, senior tri-service officers and senior state representatives.
