News

Elephant population rises to 7,451, but experts urge caution

Published

4 months ago

2025/11/23

Sri Lanka’s minimum wild elephant population has increased to 7,451, according to the latest data released yesterday by the Ministry of Environment. The figures—compiled using census data from 1993, 2011, and the 2024 countrywide survey—point to an overall rise of 1,572 elephants compared to 2021.

However, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said the numbers must be interpreted responsibly and within context.

A senior DWC official told The Island that while the upward trend is encouraging, it does not necessarily indicate an improvement in conservation outcomes.

“The rise in numbers is a minimum estimate, not an exact count,” the official said. “Elephants are long-lived, and population changes reflect decades of births and deaths. What concerns us is the escalating human–elephant conflict, which continues to claim lives on both sides.”

The data also shows a sharp increase in the percentage of young tuskers, jumping from 8.4% in 2011 to 17.6% this year—an improvement of 9.2%. The percentage of total tuskers has seen only a marginal rise of 0.5%, increasing from 6.0% to 6.5%.

According to the DWC, tusker demographics are a critical indicator of both genetic health and long-term viability.

“Sri Lanka has one of the lowest proportions of tuskers in Asia due to historical poaching pressure,” the official noted. “Any upward movement is positive, but these increases remain fragile. Protection must be strengthened, especially in poaching-prone regions.”

Wildlife experts also cautioned that population growth alone does not reflect improved habitat conditions.

“We are seeing elephants surviving, but not necessarily thriving,” the DWC source added. “Habitat fragmentation continues at an alarming rate, forcing elephants into villages and farmland. Without serious land-use reform and proper implementation of the National Action Plan, these numbers could easily reverse.”

Environmental groups have already questioned whether the census methodology adequately accounts for elephants trapped in fragmented habitats or confined to small forest patches.The Ministry of Environment said it will release a detailed technical report shortly.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts

Published

17 mins ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.30 noon 12 March 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 12 March 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

Latest News

Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

The two Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 [BBC]

A Van Allen Probe spacecraft weighing more than 1,300lb (600kg) is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch, Nasa says.

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday the US Space Force predicted, according to Nasa, though there is a 24-hour margin of “uncertainty” in the timing.

The Van Allen Probe A, which launched in 2012, is expected mostly to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, though some components may survive.

The space agency said there is a one in 4,200 chance of being harmed by a piece of the probe, which it characterised as “low” risk.

The spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, were on a mission to gather unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts.

It was not immediately clear where in Earth’s atmosphere the satellite is projected to re-enter. The BBC has contacted Nasa for further detail.

Nasa and the US Space Force have said they will monitor the re-entry and update any predictions.

The mission, which was originally designed to last two years, went on for almost seven. It ended after the spacecrafts ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.

The probes flew through rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field from 2012 to 2019, in order to study how particles were gained and lost, per Nasa.

Those rings, called the Van Allen belts, shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms and streaming solar wind, which are harmful to humans and can damage technology.

The mission made significant discoveries, including the first data that show the existence of a transient third radiation belt, which can form during times of intense solar activity, Nasa said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere before 2030.

[BBC]

News

PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.