The death of “Sujeewa,” a female elephant held under state custody for nearly a decade, has ignited renewed calls for accountability, transparency, and urgent reform in Sri Lanka’s handling of wildlife crime—particularly the shadowy networks behind elephant smuggling.

Environmental conservationist and researcher Supun Lahiru Prakash has urged authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death. His concerns echo a growing unease among conservationists who see the incident not as an isolated tragedy, but as part of a troubling pattern.

Sujeewa was taken into custody in February 2016 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) in connection with a high-profile case involving the illegal capture and trade of wild elephants. For years, she remained under state supervision at a holding facility in Udawalawe, where she later gave birth to a calf—offering a rare glimmer of hope amid an otherwise grim narrative of exploitation.

However, that hope soon gave way to controversy. In 2021, a move by the then-government to release both mother and calf back to individuals linked to the smuggling case—via Gazette Notification No. 2241/41—sparked widespread public outrage. Many viewed the decision as a dangerous precedent that could legitimize illegal wildlife trade. Following legal intervention by environmental groups, the courts halted the release, ensuring the elephants remained under DWC custody.

Today, Sujeewa’s sudden and reportedly “suspicious” death has reopened old wounds and raised pressing questions.

“We now have a serious issue that cannot be ignored—why did this elephant die under state custody?” Supun said. “If an adult elephant, held for years by the authorities, dies without a clear and justifiable explanation, it points to systemic lapses. Either there was negligence, or something far more concerning.”

According to claims circulating among individuals allegedly connected to elephant smuggling networks, Sujeewa had been ill for months and may not have received adequate veterinary attention. While these claims remain unverified, they add another layer of complexity—and suspicion—to an already sensitive case.

Supun warns that the implications go beyond mere negligence. “There is also a risk that this death could be used strategically,” he noted. “If custodial animals begin to die under state care, it could strengthen arguments by suspects to reclaim such animals, claiming they would be ‘safer’ in private custody. This is a dangerous narrative.”

He further raised the possibility—however uncomfortable—that foul play cannot be ruled out. “We must consider whether any party with vested interests may have intentionally caused harm, with the aim of discrediting the Department of Wildlife Conservation,” he said.

Disturbingly, Sujeewa’s case is not without precedent. The death of another elephant, “Siewali,” a juvenile taken into custody from Gannoruwa in Kandy in connection with a similar smuggling investigation, also remains shrouded in controversy. Reports now indicate that yet another elephant under similar custodial conditions is suffering from severe health complications.

“These recurring incidents point to a systemic issue,” Supun stressed. “We cannot treat them as isolated events. There must be a transparent, independent inquiry into all such cases, and those responsible—whether through action or inaction—must be held accountable.”

Beyond the immediate tragedy lies a deeper, more entrenched problem: the illegal wildlife trade, which continues to threaten Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Supun, who has extensively researched the subject, revealed that between 2008 and 2018, at least 55 cases of illegal elephant trade were documented in Sri Lanka. The data, compiled through court records, archives, and stakeholder interviews, likely represents only a fraction of the true scale.

“The actual numbers are almost certainly higher,” he explained. “Many elephants die during capture operations, and this is a highly organized illicit trade where data is difficult to obtain.”

The research uncovered alarming trends, including spikes in elephant seizures during 2014–2015, evidence of illegal captures from protected areas, and, most troublingly, indications of corruption within enforcement agencies.

“We found credible evidence pointing to the involvement of wildlife officers, politicians, and other influential individuals,” Prakash said. “This is not just an environmental issue—it is a governance issue.”

Asian elephants, long revered in Sri Lankan culture for their religious, cultural, and economic value, have increasingly become commodities in a lucrative black market. With limited focus on structured captive breeding programs, demand continues to be met through the illegal capture of wild animals.

“The demand for captive elephants—whether for religious pageantry, tourism, or private ownership—remains high,” Supun noted. “Until we address this demand and strengthen enforcement, these crimes will persist.”

He emphasized that Sujeewa’s death should serve as a turning point rather than just another statistic.

“This is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate seriousness in tackling wildlife crime,” he said. “We need stronger legal frameworks, faster court proceedings, better veterinary care for seized animals, and above all, zero tolerance for corruption.”

Supun also called for prioritizing ongoing court cases related to elephant smuggling, warning that prolonged legal delays only embolden perpetrators.

“Justice delayed is justice denied—not just for people, but for wildlife as well,” he said.

As the nation reflects on the life and death of Sujeewa, the broader question remains: will this tragedy finally compel decisive action, or will it fade into the long list of unresolved wildlife crimes?

By Ifham Nizam