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Action plan to tackle human-elephant conflict before President within two weeks
Text and pic by PRIYAN DE SILVA
Dr Sumith Pilapitiya, a member of the three-member committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to find a stable solution to the human-elephant conflict (HEC) told stakeholders who made suggestions to the committee on Wednesday (30) that the action plan would be presented to the President within the next two weeks.
The committee comprises Vernon Perera, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, Dr Sumith Pilapitiya and Dr Prithiviraj Fernando Chairman of the Centre for Conservation and Research Sri Lanka ((CCR).
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed officials to the devise a sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict within two years.
Pilapitiya said that the Wildlife Department had to protect 1.2 million hectares (nearly 66% of the country). He reiterated that it was a proven fact that community owned and maintained electric fences were more effective to keep elephants away from cultivations and villages than those maintained by the government.
Hasitha Wijenayake of Human Society International queried if the action plan proposed by the committee would be in conflict with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Tina Jayaratnam suggested that the available data on elephant movements be made available online to help other entities plan land use at the District and Divisional level.
Sarath Ganegoda, an animal lover, suggested that people living within wildlife sanctuaries be relocated.
Namal Kamalgoda said the government had to optimise the use of arable land in areas where there were no elephants instead of allocating lands for cultivation in areas where elephants roamed.
Ranil Pieris said that only one third of the arable land which amounted to 30% of the existing land area was being used for agriculture and suggested that vertical living for rural societies be looked into.
Ashani, a lecturer at the University of Kelaniya suggested Banyan Trees (Ficus benghalensis) as an alternative to electric fences. While a retired employee of the Department of Railways suggested using the thousands of discarded rails to construct barriers to keep elephants away.
Rev. Joseph Jeyaraj Chairman of the Call to Fair and Share Foundation and its project Director Sriyananda suggested the use of flexible rubber posts for fencing, growing a bio fence and reforestation of wildlife life reserves. They said that they had presented their proposal to the 2018 Peace Forum and were able to raise five billion rupees for the project if the government gave them the green light.
A business entity made a presentation on an electric fence and a studded mat which would keep the elephants away.
Amrith Jayewardene said that the proposals should have been implemented two decades back and suggested a warning system on problem elephants based on a PPGIS.
There were requests from more than one stakeholder to do away with the ‘elephant crackers’ being used to drive away elephants from crops and villages as they made the elephants more aggressive.
In reply to a question raised by Jehan Canageratne, Secretary of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society Dr Sumith Pilapitiya said that it was imperative that the action plan presented to the President should be implemented fully.
Everyone present commended the very informative presentation made by Dr Prithiviraj Fernando on the Human Elephant Conflict.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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