Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) has proposed a coordinated national effort involving the Tri-Services to strengthen the protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants and reduce human-elephant conflict.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, chaired by Environment Minister Dr Dhammika Patabendi.
The initiative aims to strengthen existing wildlife conservation efforts through better coordination, operational support and timely responses to threats facing elephants in vulnerable areas.
Under the proposed plan, a dedicated Operations Centre at Army Headquarters would coordinate activities among the Tri-Services, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, veterinary specialists and other relevant agencies.
The proposed measures include preventing elephant killings and other wildlife-related crimes, strengthening surveillance and information sharing, and supporting joint operations in areas affected by human-elephant conflict. Specialised training for military personnel and closer cooperation with wildlife officers are also expected to be included.
The recent discovery of the wild tusker Agbo in the Tirappane jungle was highlighted as an example of cooperation between the Tri-Services and wildlife authorities.
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, the Army Commander, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, senior Tri-Services officers, government officials and other relevant stakeholders also attended the meeting.
