News
Toll from human-elephant conflict continues to mount on both sides
By Ifham Nizam
One hundred and sixteen elephants have been killed so far this year, whereas human deaths due to elephant attacks number 35, the Wildlife Conservation’s Department latest update reveals.
A senior Department Official said that the numbers were rising alarmingly this year due to ad hoc clearing of forest areas.
Department’s Publicity Director, Hasini Sarathchandra, contacted for comment, told The Island that the department was in the process of clearing shrub areas, providing electricity and bus services to 134 electorates identified as human-elephant prone areas
The department also said on Sunday two persons had been killed in a village at Ulhitiya due to wild elephant attacks.
The incident had taken place within a kilometre from the residence of Heen Menika, another resident who was killed by a wild elephant.
Sri Lanka has the highest casualty rate from the human-elephant conflict in the world, says renowned scientist cum Elephant authority, Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya.
Dr. Pilapitiya, who is also the former Director General of the Wildlife Department, said that 2019 was a particularly bad year, as 407 elephants had been killed. On an average, 85 per cent of elephant deaths were due to clashes with humans.
Wildlife Department statistics indicate that every year between 2011 and 2020, 272 elephants had died. In 2019, the toll hit 407. It came down to 318 in 2020.
The average annual human death rate due to the human-elephant conflict was 71 between 2005 and 2010, and 54 between 1992 and 2001. It has increased by about 14 per cent from the previous decade and by some 50 per cent in comparison to the past two decades.
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
It has been reported quoting the Police, that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in Colpetty.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 07 May 2026, valid for 08 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit
Former SriLankan Aorlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena found dead
Fast bowling riches in focus as Bangladesh and Pakistan switch to Test mode
Iran says it attacked US Navy ships after they targeted Iranian tanker
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
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