The Ministry of Environment has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the death of iconic tusker Kawanthissa and allegations of organised operations targeting wild elephants across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday (18), the Ministry said it had lodged a formal complaint with the IGP and the CID, seeking an investigation into whether a coordinated conspiracy was behind the recent killings of wild elephants.

The Ministry Secretary, in a written request to the police, stressed the need to determine whether an organised group or syndicate was systematically targeting wild elephants.

The call for an investigation comes amid growing public concern over the deaths of elephants, allegedly caused by shootings and other deliberate acts.

The Ministry urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible and ensure that the investigation is conducted independently, transparently and without interference.

Police have also been requested to expedite the investigation and provide the Ministry with regular updates on its progress and any legal action taken.

Meanwhile, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, together with the Armed Forces, Special Task Force and Sri Lanka Police, is continuing joint operations, raids and other law enforcement measures aimed at protecting wild elephants.

Kawanthissa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wild tuskers, died on October 16 after receiving veterinary treatment for several weeks following a reported gunshot injury to his right foreleg.

His death has triggered widespread concern and calls from environmentalists and political leaders for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the subsequent treatment of the elephant.

The government has proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to allow witnesses to give evidence before courts through live audio-visual links, including from locations outside Sri Lanka.

The Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill was published in a Gazette supplement dated October 16, 2026, on the order of the Minister of Justice and National Integration.

Under the proposed amendments, courts would be empowered to permit witnesses to testify remotely through video links with the consent of all parties, on an application by a party to the case or on the court’s own initiative.

In deciding whether to allow remote testimony, courts would be required to consider any objections raised by the parties or the witness and ensure that the arrangement does not prejudice the fairness of the proceedings.

The Bill also provides for witnesses residing overseas to give evidence without returning to Sri Lanka. Courts could appoint diplomatic officers attached to Sri Lankan embassies, high commissions or consulates to facilitate the examination of such witnesses.

Where Sri Lankan diplomatic representation is unavailable, the court could appoint another suitably qualified person, including a legal practitioner or notary, for the purpose.

The proposed amendments would also enable courts, subject to specified safeguards, to allow a witness abroad to give evidence without appointing a commissioner.

Special provisions have been proposed for witnesses who are unable to attend court due to illness or physical disabilities. Such witnesses could be permitted to give evidence from their homes or another suitable location.

The Bill also sets out safeguards relating to the identification of witnesses, confidentiality, electronic recording of testimony and the prevention of unauthorised recordings.

Evidence given through audio-visual technology would have the same legal status as evidence given physically in court. Witnesses giving evidence remotely would therefore remain subject to laws relating to perjury and contempt of court.

Courts would also be empowered to suspend or postpone proceedings where technical problems disrupt the audio-visual connection.

The proposed amendments are aimed at modernising the examination of witnesses and reducing the need for witnesses, particularly those living overseas or unable to travel due to health or physical limitations, to appear physically before court.

However, the legislation is still at the Bill stage and must be approved by Parliament before becoming law. The substantive provisions would come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Minister by Gazette notification.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has condemned the alleged assault on Buddhist monks protesting at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, on Saturday evening, accusing the government of using force against monks chanting pirith.

Accusing the authorities of obstructing access to sanitation facilities and removing temporary shelters used by the protesters, Premadasa has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure the monks’ safety and prevent any threat to religious harmony.

Premadasa issued a media statement following media reports that the police had assaulted Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, one of the monks leading the ongoing protest.

Buddhist monks are staging a Satyagraha, seeking the release of Ven. Glaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera from prison.

Police have denied the assault allegations, saying Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera slipped and fell on a concrete step during a confrontation with officers

He thanked the administration of Dewatagaha Mosque for providing sanitation facilities to the protesting monks, describing the gesture as an example of religious coexistence.