CEJ initiates legal action to save jumbos from moving trains

By Ifham Nizam 

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has initiated legal action to prevent the rising number of elephant deaths due to collision with moving trains.

The petition, filed in the Supreme Court under case number SCFR 38/2025, holds multiple authorities accountable, including the Director of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka Railways, the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife, and the Attorney General.

CEJ Chairman Hemantha Withanage emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, “Train collisions have become a major threat to Sri Lanka’s elephant population, which is a crucial part of our natural and cultural heritage. The authorities have failed to implement effective solutions, despite repeated warnings and expert recommendations.”

Recent statistics indicate that during the past 13 years alone, at least 151 elephants have died in collision with trains. These incidents frequently occur in areas where railway lines pass through elephant habitats, and elephants are not visible at night.

The Committee for the Prevention of Elephant Deaths by Train Collisions (CPEDTC) has identified 21 key measures to mitigate this issue, including improved monitoring, fencing in high-risk areas, and adjusting train schedules in critical zones.

Withanage further stated, “We cannot afford to lose more elephants due to negligence. Urgent action is required .