News

200 km of damaged elephant fences in Polonnaruwa reactivated; urgent repairs underway this week

Published

3 months ago

2025/12/19

More than 200 kilometres of electric elephant fencing damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in the Polonnaruwa Wildlife Zone have already been restored, as authorities race this week to rebuild sections that were completely destroyed, amid growing concerns over elephant deaths and escalating human–elephant conflict.

Out of the total 1,100 km of electric fencing protecting the Polonnaruwa Wildlife Zone, over 340 km were damaged by the cyclone, leaving large areas of forest boundaries exposed. Conservationists warn that broken fences have historically led to elephants straying into villages, resulting in fatal encounters, retaliatory attacks, and avoidable elephant deaths.

A special high-level discussion to assess the environmental impact of Cyclone Ditwa on wildlife and forest conservation zones in the Polonnaruwa District was held on December 16 at the Giritale Wildlife Centre. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody and attended by senior officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, and disaster management authorities.

Officials informed the meeting that 200 km of damaged fences have already been restored to full operational capacity, with priority given to conflict-prone areas where elephants frequently cross into human settlements. These emergency repairs, officials said, were critical to preventing further elephant fatalities and protecting rural livelihoods.

The meeting also revealed that 50 km of elephant fences had been completely destroyed by the cyclone. Deputy Minister Jayakody directed relevant institutions to immediately provide materials and logistical support to complete the construction of 10 km of new electric fencing within this week, as an urgent first phase.

Stressing that damaged fences often become death traps rather than safeguards, the Deputy Minister warned that delays in restoration could lead to elephants being shot, electrocuted, or killed using explosives, as well as to loss of human life.

Participants highlighted that extreme weather events, now occurring with greater frequency, are undermining conservation infrastructure and intensifying human–elephant conflict across the dry zone. They called for stronger, climate-resilient fencing systems and continuous maintenance rather than reactive repairs after disasters.

Polonnaruwa is among Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable districts for human–elephant conflict, and officials reiterated that rapid, effective restoration of electric fences remains one of the few proven measures to reduce elephant deaths and protect both wildlife and communities.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

All News Advertisement

Latest News

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

Published

8 hours 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

9 hours 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

10 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.