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Inquiry launched into burnt elephant death at Seeppukulama as toll mounts
Seeppukulama incident highlights the dangerous escalation of human–elephant conflict, where frustration, fear and lack of proper mitigation measures are increasingly leading to violent outcomes – Wildlife Director General
The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has launched a high-level inquiry into the shocking death of an elephant found burnt at Seeppukulama, amid a growing number of elephant fatalities reported from across the country, Wildlife Director General told The Island.
Describing the Seeppukulama incident as “deeply disturbing,” the Director General said special investigation teams have been deployed to determine whether the elephant’s death was the result of deliberate human action, negligence or a criminal act linked to human–elephant conflict.
“This is an extremely serious case. An elephant being burnt points to a grave offence. We have ordered a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis and field-level inquiries, to establish exactly what happened and to identify those responsible,” he said.
According to the Director General, the inquiry will examine whether flammable materials, illegal deterrents or unauthorised electric devices were used, and whether there were prior incidents of conflict in the Seeppukulama area that may have led to retaliatory action against the animal.
He stressed that initial observations indicate the death was not due to natural causes. “If this is confirmed as a deliberate act, it will be treated as a serious wildlife crime. The law will be enforced without hesitation,” he warned.
The Director General said the Seeppukulama incident highlights the dangerous escalation of human–elephant conflict, where frustration, fear and lack of proper mitigation measures are increasingly leading to violent outcomes.
“Burning an elephant is not only illegal, it reflects a complete breakdown in coexistence. Such acts cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said.
He noted that elephant deaths from electrocution, shooting and other human-induced causes have continued to rise, particularly in areas where settlements and agricultural lands overlap with traditional elephant ranges.
“Elephants are paying the price for unplanned development and habitat fragmentation. When corridors are blocked and forests shrink, conflict becomes inevitable,” the Director General said.
The DWC is working closely with the Police, Government Analyst’s Department and other relevant agencies to fast-track investigations into elephant deaths, including the Seeppukulama case. He added that officers have been instructed to take stern action against illegal electric fences, unauthorised power connections and other hazardous practices.
He also urged the public to assist investigators by coming forward with information related to the Seeppukulama incident. “Community cooperation is vital. Protecting elephants is not the responsibility of Wildlife officers alone; it is a national duty,” he said.
Sri Lanka is home to one of the largest remaining Asian elephant populations, and the Director General warned that continued losses—especially through brutal and unlawful acts—pose a serious threat to the species’ survival.
“The elephant is part of our natural and cultural heritage. Every such death, including the one at Seeppukulama, is a stark reminder that we must urgently rethink how we manage land, development and conflict,” he told The Island.
He reaffirmed the DWC’s commitment to strengthening enforcement, improving conflict mitigation strategies and ensuring that those responsible for wildlife crimes are brought to justice, stressing that impunity will only worsen the crisis.
By Ifham Nizam
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.
Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.
The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.
The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.
He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.
A land distribution programme benefiting families displaced by disaster in the Kandy District was held on April 24 at the Kandy District Secretariat, with 44 affected households receiving plots in the Hanthana area.
The initiative targeted residents of the Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat division whose homes were completely destroyed in a recent disaster, leaving them without permanent shelter.
The event was presided over by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha, who said arrangements had been made to provide each beneficiary with Rs. 5 million in instalments through the Pathahewaheta Divisional Secretariat to support the construction of new homes.
He noted that the land parcels had been identified from an estate in the Hanthana area and subsequently subdivided into demarcated plots for distribution among the recipients.
Members of Parliament representing the Kandy District from the NPP, along with Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretary Amila Navaratne, were among those present. Government officials and beneficiaries also attended the event.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to provide permanent housing solutions and restore livelihoods for families affected by natural disasters in the region.
Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in most parts of the island after 1.00 pm
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