News
Deforestation in Anuradhapura has increased human elephant conflict – Environmentalist
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The escalation of human-elephant conflict is the result of mass scale deforestation over the years, Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) said, commenting on recent incidents in Kebithigollewa, where a police sergeant was killed by a group of angry villagers during a protest following a wild elephant attack.
“If you look at districts like Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Vavuniya, there has been large scale deforestation. Large swaths of forest land have been cleared for development projects and commercial agriculture. A large number of elephants have lost their habitat. And this is the outcome of the unplanned development,” he said.
Unfortunately, most people affected by the human-elephant conflict thought that the elephants invaded their villages due to the inaction of the wildlife Department officers, and the police, Chamikara said.
“When TV crews visit villages affected by the human-elephant conflict, villages blame the Wildlife Department and the police for inaction. They need to be educated that the increased human-elephant conflict is due to deforestation. For example in the Anuradhapura District 15,000 acres are to be cleared for Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir. The clearing of forests started in 2021. Then, there is a project to plant aloevera on 114,066 acres. This is about 20 percent of the Anuradhapura District and large swaths of forest have been cleared for this. He said.
Chamikara added that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration removed other state forest lands from the purview of the Department of Forest Conservation though 01/2020 and 02/2021 circulars. The administration of these lands are now under the Divisional Secretaries.
“In 2001, these forest lands were taken away from the Divisional Secretaries because they were authorising projects that ruined the environment. Deforestation increased after these forests were placed under Divisional Secretaries. An increase in the intensity of the human-elephant conflict is the result of this. While the Department of Wildlife is also responsible for the increased human-elephant conflict, politicians and state officials who authorised and encouraged deforestation must be held responsible for this catastrophe,” he said. Chamikara said that the human-elephant conflict was multifaceted and clashes between people affected and state officials closest to them were unfortunate.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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