Life style

The Secret to Saving Asian

Published

2 years ago

2023/12/31

The Sri Lankan elephant is a sub-species of the endangered Asian elephant. They’re responsible for more than 90 deaths a year in Sri Lanka

Elephants ? Oranges

BY ZINARA RATNAYAKE

In Sri Lanka, human-elephant conflict has disrupted farmers for generations. In some cases, people are killed. Now, a local conservation organization is looking to citrus as a solution. Bees and fences can’t stop elephants from attacking villages—but orange trees miraculously can.

The November morning was blue-skied and bright. When Wije appeared behind the large orange tree shading his front yard, his eyes crinkled with a broad smile. He wore a rainbow-coloured sarong, a blue face mask, and a Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) T-shirt. This is where he works as a fieldhouse manager. He plucked an orange from a tree to prepare juice. In his village, oranges aren’t just a fruit. They’re a solution to an age-old environmental problem: human-elephant conflict.

Like many villages in the countryside of Sri Lanka, Pussellayaya boasts postcard-worthy landscapes. Wije, short for Aluthgedara Wijerathne, is a 43-year-old native of Pussellayaya, which sits in the southern boundary of Wasgamuwa National Park, about 143 miles from the capital city Colombo in Sri Lanka.

When the charred evening clouds in November bring rain to the village, farmers start sowing the fields of paddy that disappear into a ridgeline of the Knuckles Mountain Range. In the coming months, farmers toil in the fields, but the surrounding wildlife doesn’t make their life easy.

“During the last decade, elephants killed four villagers,” says Wije in his native language Sinhala. “We get very scared at night. Elephants came to destroy our crops and houses. We didn’t have a choice but to retaliate. We lit firecrackers to scare them off, but they became more aggressive, so we fired gunshots into the air, and sometimes at elephants. We didn’t want to harm wild animals, but they were destroying everything we had.”

Growing up in the village, Wije remembers the sleepless nights he spent with his parents. They lit fires and slept on rickety treehouses in the open air in the rice fields, trying to scare off hungry elephants looking for ripe paddy—the only source of income Wije’s parents had.

Orange trees have helped protect Wije’s rice crops while helping him branch out into the world of citrus.

Wije’s story is not different from that of thousands of others living in rural Sri Lanka. The country’s rapidly growing human population and subsequent demand for land result in clearing of natural habitats, squeezing wild animals—like elephants—into smaller pockets of land

The Sri Lankan sub-species of the Asian elephant is already endangered—with as few as 2,500 elephants remaining in Sri Lanka today—but this forces them into shattered jungle habitats. Wild elephants rampage adjacent villages (their original habitat) looking for natural sources of food and water.

A 2010 report by Columbia University’s Earth Institute found that, historically, elephant deaths coincided with reduced rainfall in Sri Lanka’s eastern region. The climate crisis is set to change precipitation patterns in the country and increase the risk of drought. Sri Lanka, which ranked second in the 2019 global climate risk index, already experiences erratic weather patterns.

During Sri Lanka’s dry season, water bodies dry up. Trees wither. Water buffaloes resort to the last remaining mud puddles while searing hot weather cracks the arid soil. In this fetid heat, elephants frequently wander around looking for water, some of them migrating through human habitats where resources exist.

Every year in Sri Lanka, the elephants destroy $10 million worth of crops and property. For the last two years, elephants have killed more than 90 people a year in Sri Lanka. Fearful farmers fight back; in 2019, they killed a record 405 elephants. While human-elephant conflict is a threat to these jungle giants, it also puts impoverished farmers in a vulnerable situation.

“We need to help humans first. If we do that, we can save elephants.”

In the early 1990s, conservationists in Sri Lanka tried to solve the problem by installing electric fences around the villages. But elephants are smart creatures: They began using sticks or branches to break these wires. Busy farmers then have to spend time rebuilding the wires. Ravi Corea, founder of SLWCS, says that farmers who live hand to mouth don’t have the luxury of spending time on such repairs.

Corea understood the need for a long-term solution during his time near Wasgamuwa about three decades ago. After he launched SLWCS in 1995, Corea initiated the project Saving Elephants by Helping People (SEHP) in 1997 to research community-led responses. “I realized that we need to help humans first,” he says. “If we do that, we can save elephants.”

The Knuckles Mountain Range looms in the background as farmers work the fields

Around 2005, Corea got a surprising tip from the villagers. “Elephants are amazing creatures,” he says, laughing. “They like to remind us that they are the kings in the jungle.”

Elephants often display their power by uprooting trees—but there was one type they left alone: citrus.

So a year later, SLWCS conducted a series of feeding trials with six captive Asian elephants at Dehiwala Zoo, located in suburban Colombo. While elephants gulped down other things such as melons, bananas, paddy, and palm leaves, they tended to eschew oranges and lime fruits and leaves. Their study (which has not been peer-reviewed) concluded that Asian elephants in Sri Lanka have a natural aversion to citrus.

The researchers never found out why elephants didn’t like citrus—they suspect the compound called limonene might be behind it—but those results were promising enough to expand the solution. Corea had already tried other options in between—like beehive fences. They involve fencing the farmer’s crops with beehives. This invention has worked in parts of Africa, but Sri Lankan bees don’t sting as hard as the killer bees of Africa. Moreover, the bees would leave in the dry season in search of water.

By 2011, SLWCS moved forward on the potential citrus solution: It donated orange trees to 12 farmers in Radunna Wewa, another small hamlet in Wasgamuwa. After three years, as the orange plants grew, the farmers saw the difference the plants made. While elephants still stormed through the surrounding main roads, they would take a detour when they smelled citrus. The strong smell of orange now keeps the elephants out of the village, protecting crops and property.

Sixty-year-old Waththegedara Anulawathie is one of Radunna Wewa’s first orange growers. “Elephants don’t come now,” Anulawathie says, her wrinkled face lighting up. Her black and gray hair is loosely braided; her baby pink blouse bright against the backdrop of paddy fields nearby. “Some months, we lost most of our harvest,” she says, pointing to where elephants reduced a house to nothing. “Now we go to sleep at night,” she smiles.

Since their earliest program in Radunna Wewa almost 10 years ago, SLWCS has planted trees in more than 12 villages in the Wasgamuwa region, distributing 25,000 orange plants. Pussellayaya is one of their latest additions. Each of the village’s 300 houses has at least 10 orange trees. In the last five years, SLWCS has estimated that the Wasgamuwa region contributed only about two percent to national human-elephant conflict—including property and crop damage, human deaths, and elephant deaths—according to annual data the organization collects from the region’s Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“Now elephants don’t harm the poor farmers, and farmers don’t harm the elephants,” Corea says, “It’s a win-win for both parties.”

While oranges kept elephants away, their commercial value further incentivized farmers to cultivate the crop. Most traditional paddy farmers struggle to meet their needs, but oranges now provide them an additional income. Farmers grow Bibile sweets, a green orange from Bibile, Sri Lanka, which suits the climate. Anulawathie says a fully grown tree yields about 300 to 500 oranges, which she sells for 15 rupees (about $0.10) each.

However, soaring heat and extreme drought threaten these orchards. In Anulawathie’s garden, two young trees died in August, the driest month of the year. While SLWCS has already developed an irrigation system that brings in water from nearby canals, lakes, and springs, farmers are still struggling.

As more farmers grow Bibile sweets, Corea says they will help protect the natural water springs. Once the trees grow into large orchards, they’ll help shade the bare soil from the harsh sun. Birds, butterflies, and other insects come for orange flowers, too, increasing the area’s biodiversity. “Oranges are addressing the issues of the ecosystem shared by elephants, humans, and other wildlife,” Corea says.

SLWCS relies on volunteers and donations for its projects. While Corea has plans to expand this program, the conservation efforts would require more financial support and intervention from government authorities. Corea and his team had planned to begin feeding trials in Tanzania to African elephants, but the pandemic put that on pause. “We want to see if African elephants show a resistance to citrus as well.”

Now that elephants don’t come to raid their paddy, farmers in Pussellayaya can sleep peacefully. They can reap and sell their harvest in full. Wije, for instance, was able to buy a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) with last year’s earnings. Wije walks me around the village and shows me a home. The garden is dotted with orange trees, planted only four years ago. In May, the family sold their first harvest.

We walk to the SLWCS field office, and Wije squeezes a few oranges for juice. It’s a great way to kill the scorching heat. Wije peels off the orange rind, but he has already learned that the outer skin is also useful. SLWCS is planning to make essential oil from orange peel, as well as introduce products with a longer shelf life: jam, bottled-juices, and cordials.

Wije believes these products can help bring more income to the villagers. “Until then, we are thankful that elephants don’t come here anymore. Our rice is safe. Our houses are safe. We are safe,” Wije says, smiling. “Elephants are safe, too.”

(BBC)

All News Advertisement

Related Topics:Elephants Secret to Saving Asian

Up Next

Elevating beauty and wellness

Don't Miss

Christmas traditions – celebrated around the world

Click to comment

Life style

The last kings of the wilderness: vanishing tuskers

Published

7 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

In the vast dry-zone wilderness of Sri Lanka, where ancient reservoirs mirror crimson sunsets and monsoon winds whisper through forests untouched for centuries, there still roams a giant who has become both legend and symbol.

His name is Mahasen — perhaps the most celebrated wild tusker Sri Lanka has ever known.

To wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and villagers across the North Central Province, Mahasen is not merely an elephant. He is the living embodiment of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness, a reminder of a time when giant tuskers ruled the forests that surrounded the island’s great hydraulic civilisation.

Secretary and Chief Coordinator of Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, Chandika Lakmal, describes Mahasen as “one of the greatest living treasures of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.”

“When people see Mahasen, they are not simply looking at a wild elephant,” he said.

“They are witnessing history, culture, ecology, and wilderness all combined into one magnificent animal. Tuskers like Mahasen are extremely rare, and losing such an elephant would mean losing a part of Sri Lanka’s identity itself.”

Sri Lanka has long shared a sacred bond with elephants. Ancient kings regarded tuskers as symbols of sovereignty and divine authority.

From the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the Kandyan era, elephants marched beside rulers during ceremonies and wars alike. Within Buddhist culture, elephants became revered symbols of strength, wisdom, and spiritual purity.

Yet among all elephants, the tusker has always occupied a special place.

Unlike African elephants, only a very small percentage of male Asian elephants develop tusks. This makes Sri Lankan tuskers exceptionally rare. Over centuries, they became deeply embedded in folklore, temple art, and village legends.

Mahasen stands today as perhaps the finest surviving example of that ancient legacy.

Mahasen, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, photographed during his majestic prime in 2014 and in 2025 as the ageing giant continues his struggle for survival in the island’s shrinking wilderness

The legendary tusker was first photographed in 2002 by renowned wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardena. During those early years, wildlife enthusiasts referred to him as the “Somawathiya Tusker” because he was frequently sighted around the floodplains near Somawathiya before travelling towards Minneriya and Kaudulla during the season of the great elephant gathering.

Later, the giant elephant was named Mahasen in honour of the ancient King Mahasen, the visionary ruler who built the magnificent Minneriya Tank. The name reflected not only strength and majesty, but also a deep connection to the same historic landscape shaped by kings, forests, and elephants thousands of years ago.

Today, Mahasen is believed to be around 60 years old, making him one of the oldest surviving wild tuskers in Sri Lanka. Towering above most elephants, he possesses perhaps the largest pair of tusks ever documented among Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, stretching beyond six feet in length.

For decades, Mahasen became one of the greatest attractions of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park — one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Photographers from across the globe waited patiently for hours hoping to capture the old king emerging from the dusty grasslands, at dusk, his enormous tusks glowing beneath the golden evening light. For many wildlife lovers, witnessing Mahasen in the wild became an unforgettable experience.

“Mahasen carries an extraordinary presence,” Chandika Lakmal explained. “Even among large elephants, he stands apart. There is a certain calmness, confidence, and dignity in the way he moves. You immediately understand why ancient people considered tuskers sacred.”

Yet beyond his beauty and fame, Mahasen also represents the fragile future of Sri Lanka’s elephants.

Modern conservation science identifies elephants as “keystone species” and “umbrella species,” meaning their survival protects entire ecosystems. Elephants create pathways through forests, disperse seeds, maintain grasslands, and help sustain biodiversity across vast landscapes.

“Elephants are ecosystem engineers,” Chandika Lakmal said. “The forest itself depends on them. Without elephants, the structure of these ecosystems begins to change. Protecting tuskers, like Mahasen, means protecting entire habitats and countless other species.”

Sadly, Sri Lanka’s wild elephants now face mounting threats.

Habitat fragmentation, shrinking forests, electric fences, roads, railway accidents, illegal shootings, and human-elephant conflict continue to endanger their survival.

Nearly 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants live outside protected national parks, surviving within fragmented forests and ancient tank ecosystems increasingly surrounded by human settlements.

Traditional elephant migration corridors that existed for centuries have now been blocked by agriculture and development projects. As elephants lose access to food and water, they are increasingly forced into villages and farmlands, creating dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.

Even Mahasen has not escaped these pressures.

In recent years, the ageing tusker’s movements have become increasingly restricted. Wildlife observers believe the enormous weight of his tusks, combined with old age, has forced him into smaller forest patches between Kakirawa and Maradankadawala where food and water are available within shorter distances.

Several months ago, Mahasen was discovered with a serious wound on his back believed to have been caused either by a gunshot injury or a clash with another elephant. Wildlife officials intervened quickly and treated the giant tusker, offering hope that he would recover once again.

However, concern continues to grow among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts as sightings of Mahasen have become increasingly rare in recent months.

For many Sri Lankans, the thought of losing Mahasen is deeply emotional.

“Mahasen is not just another elephant,” Chandika Lakmal said quietly. “He is one of the last living symbols of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness. Future generations deserve the chance to see such animals alive in our forests, not only in photographs or history books.”

Despite his immense ecological and cultural importance, many villagers living near elephant habitats still struggle with fear and economic hardship caused by crop raids and property damage.

Conservationists stress that long-term coexistence can only be achieved through proper land-use planning, protection of elephant corridors, community awareness, and sustainable conservation policies.

Across the forests of Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, and Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers continue their silent struggle against an uncertain future.

But among them all, Mahasen remains special.

He is more than an old tusker wandering through fading forests.

He is the last king of a vanishing wilderness.

And as long as Mahasen still walks beneath the ancient trees of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the spirit of the island’s wild heritage continues to survive majestic, untamed, and unforgettable.

By Ifham Nizam

Life style

Stars shine bright

Published

7 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Leading figures from the industry graced the ‘Tharulya’ Muhurat ceremony

An auspicious beginning for ‘Tharulya’

The Muhurath ceremony of ‘Tharulya’ the newest teledrama directed by Sudarma Jayewardena, was held in a graceful setting at Waters Edge recently, bringing together artistes, television personalities and invited guests from the entertainment industry.

The auspicious occasion marked the official beginning of the much-awarded teleseries, with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp adding colour and glamour to the evening.

Cast members and crew joined Sudarma in celebrating the launch while industry well-wishers extended their support for the production.

Sudarma is known for her emotionally rich story telling and distinctive creative touch. When asked about her new tele-serial, she expressed optimism ‘Tharulya’ is expected to bring a fresh narrative to the local television audiences. For her ‘Tharulya’ can be described as a reflection of dreams, emotions and human relationships, woven into meaningful teledrama narratives. The word ‘Tharulya’ evokes a poetic sense of stars, hope and destiny, symbolising the journeys and emotional bonds explored through the story.

Sudarma Jayewardena is known for her work as a actress, director, producer and creative visionary behind several acclaimed teledramas. Over the years she has build a reputation for presenting emotionally layered stories that explore family dynamics, social realities, women’s experiences and human relationships with sensitivity and depth .

Her teledramas are known for strong story telling, refined casting and cinematic production.

The teledrama, ‘Ganga Adare’, directed by Sudarma, is among the well known television production.

This tele-series became popular on the small screen for its emotional story telling, strong character development and family centred narrative style that resonated with Sinhala TV audiences.

Sudarma’s involvement in musical events, like ‘Sonu Nigam,’ highlighted her versatility beyond teledramas, showcasing her ability to create large scale entertainment events that combined glamour, culture and audience appeal.

Sudharma, who is no stranger in the entertainment industry, is the Managing Director of Star Events. ‘Tharulya’ was produced by Saranga Mendis. This much talked about teleserial is all set to unspool on Derena TV.

Beyond teledramas , Sudarma also contributed to musical and entertainment programmes, expanding her influence within Sri Lanka’s media industry. Her productions are often noted for their polished presentation and emotional story telling. (Zanita) Pix by Thushara Attapathu

: Smile,glamour and anticipation for the young star

: Powerful performances expected as he steps into a key role

: Moments from the launch

: Soulful voice adds magic

: Creativity in motion as Director Sudarma Jayewardena leads the cast with her spouse

: Invited guests marked the launch

Life style

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam soar into a new era of co-operation

Published

7 days ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Landmark visit celebrating diplomacy, connectivity and growing economic partnerships

Air Bridge of Friendship

The state visit of the Party Secretary and State President, To Lam of Viet Nam, to Sri Lanka, heralds a defining moment in bilateral relations, where diplomacy and aviation converge in a new era of connectivity. With the launch of Viet Nam air services, linking the two nations, the partnership soars behind traditional statecraft -opening a seamless corridors for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between South and South East Asia.

My interview with the Ambassador for Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, went as follows:

(Q) How significant is the State visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam?

(A)Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Sri Lanka is highly significant as it takes place when the two countries have just celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Viet Nam is the first ASEAN members to visit Sri Lanka, and is also the first ASEAN country that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited after assuming office. More, importantly, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on this occasion, opening a new chapter for cooperation in politics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and connectivity. The visit reflects the strong mutual trust and the shared determination to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries old Buddhist links. How can these spiritual and cultural ties be transformed into stronger people-to-people tourism?

(A) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist and cultural links, which create a very strong foundation for closer people-to-people relations. These spiritual ties can be transformed into stronger tourism cooperation through Buddhist pilgrimage tours, exchanges between temples and universities, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion programmes. Increased air connectivity and easier travel arrangements will also encourage more visitors to explore each other’s cultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

(Q) Direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City has generated great excitement in Sri Lanka. How important is this milestone for tourism and bilateral relations?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

(A) The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Nam Airlines (national carrier) and Viet Jet (a private airline) is a historic milestone for bilateral relations. It not only shortens travel time but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. This achievement comes at a very meaningful moment, following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

(Q) Do you think this direct flight will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the next few years?

(A) Yes, we believe the direct flights will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the next few years. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers because of its beautiful beaches, Buddhist heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality. Easier connectivity and tourism promotion activities will help more Vietnamese people discover Sri Lanka. We also expect stronger two-way tourism exchanges, contributing positively to economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

(Q) Do you see Colombo becoming a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with the Indian Ocean region?

(A) Colombo has great potential to become a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, combined with improving connectivity and growing economic cooperation, can help facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, and maritime cooperation. Following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam sees many opportunities to work more closely with Sri Lanka in regional connectivity initiatives and strengthen economic links between Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed decades of friendly relations. What makes this partnership unique in Asia?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

Trinh Thi Tam played a key role in celebrating the historic visit

(A) The Viet Nam–Sri Lanka partnership has been built on longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and deep cultural connections rather than only economic interests. The two countries have consistently supported each other over many decades and share common values regarding independence, peace, and international cooperation. President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam’s Nation Father, stopped over in Sri Lanka on three occasions. Vietnamese people has always treasured the strong, unconditional support offered by Sri Lankan people during our hard struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The recent elevation of bilateral ties reflects the maturity of this relationship and the shared vision to expand cooperation across many sectors in a sustainable and balanced manner.

(Q) How does Viet Nam view Sri Lanka’s role with South Asia and the Indian Ocean together?

(A) Viet Nam highly values Sri Lanka’s important role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical role as a maritime and commercial centre make it an important partner for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s keen interest in engaging more with ASEAN (Regional Comprehensive Economic Parnership ) Viet Nam believes Sri Lanka can play an even stronger role in connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in trade, tourism, logistics and maritime cooperation.

(Q) How would you describe the current diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka after the Party General Secretary and State President’s visit?

(A) Following the visit, the diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka can be described as stronger, more dynamic, and more future-oriented. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership demonstrates the high level of political trust and creates a solid framework for expanding cooperation in many important sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, digital transformation, agriculture, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(Q) After the Party General Secretary and State President, what is your vision for Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relations over the next decade?

(A) Over the next decade, we hope Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will develop into a stronger, broader, and more practical partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership. We expect deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, connectivity, digital economy, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime cooperation. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation will continue to grow, creating a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual prosperity between the two countries.

(Q) What message does Viet Nam wish to send to Sri Lanka and South Asian Region through the visit?

(A) Through the Party General Secretary and State President’s visits to India and Sri Lanka, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared development to Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. The visits demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in South Asia and promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.