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Action plan to tackle human-elephant conflict before President within two weeks

Published

6 years ago

2020/10/2

Text and pic by PRIYAN DE SILVA

Dr Sumith Pilapitiya, a member of the three-member committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to find a stable solution to the human-elephant conflict (HEC) told stakeholders who made suggestions to the committee on Wednesday (30) that the action plan would be presented to the President within the next two weeks.

The committee comprises Vernon Perera, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, Dr Sumith Pilapitiya and Dr Prithiviraj Fernando Chairman of the Centre for Conservation and Research Sri Lanka ((CCR).

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed officials to the devise a sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict within two years.

Pilapitiya said that the Wildlife Department had to protect 1.2 million hectares (nearly 66% of the country). He reiterated that it was a proven fact that community owned and maintained electric fences were more effective to keep elephants away from cultivations and villages than those maintained by the government.

Hasitha Wijenayake of Human Society International queried if the action plan proposed by the committee would be in conflict with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tina Jayaratnam suggested that the available data on elephant movements be made available online to help other entities plan land use at the District and Divisional level.

Sarath Ganegoda, an animal lover, suggested that people living within wildlife sanctuaries be relocated.

Namal Kamalgoda said the government had to optimise the use of arable land in areas where there were no elephants instead of allocating lands for cultivation in areas where elephants roamed.

Ranil Pieris said that only one third of the arable land which amounted to 30% of the existing land area was being used for agriculture and suggested that vertical living for rural societies be looked into.

Ashani, a lecturer at the University of Kelaniya suggested Banyan Trees (Ficus benghalensis) as an alternative to electric fences. While a retired employee of the Department of Railways suggested using the thousands of discarded rails to construct barriers to keep elephants away.

Rev. Joseph Jeyaraj Chairman of the Call to Fair and Share Foundation and its project Director Sriyananda suggested the use of flexible rubber posts for fencing, growing a bio fence and reforestation of wildlife life reserves. They said that they had presented their proposal to the 2018 Peace Forum and were able to raise five billion rupees for the project if the government gave them the green light.

A business entity made a presentation on an electric fence and a studded mat which would keep the elephants away.

Amrith Jayewardene said that the proposals should have been implemented two decades back and suggested a warning system on problem elephants based on a PPGIS.

There were requests from more than one stakeholder to do away with the ‘elephant crackers’ being used to drive away elephants from crops and villages as they made the elephants more aggressive.

In reply to a question raised by Jehan Canageratne, Secretary of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society Dr Sumith Pilapitiya said that it was imperative that the action plan presented to the President should be implemented fully.

Everyone present commended the very informative presentation made by Dr Prithiviraj Fernando on the Human Elephant Conflict.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.