Life style
Human – Elephant Conflict Is Rising in Sri Lanka
Driven from their original habitats, the animals are raiding crops and being killed by frightened farmers, but conservationists are piloting better ways to coexist
In Makulpotha village, 89 miles northwest of Colombo, Punchibanda woke up to the trumpet of an elephant while he was sleeping in a small wooden hut built on a tree beside his vegetable farm. Fearing that the elephant could destroy his harvest of pumpkins, melons and eggplants, Punchibanda rushed to chase it away. But he could not guard his produce, and instead lost his life.
The large bull elephant charged toward the 62-year-old, who fainted out of fear; the animal crushed him to death. Over a year later, villagers still live in fear as they struggle to protect their crops from wild elephants.
Historically, elephants and humans lived in harmony in Sri Lanka. When the farmers were done harvesting their fields, they would allow elephants to feed on the stubble. But deforestation, haphazard cultivation methods and massive development projects have led to increasing human-elephant conflict in the country. Sri Lanka has the highest number of elephant deaths caused by conflict with humans, and second-highest number of human deaths caused by elephants. In 2022 and 2023, over 800 elephants in Sri Lanka died.
In a bid to balance population density across the country, people have been relocated to areas with a high density of elephants. The animals are forced to live in protected wildlife parks that have limited resources. They venture into nearby villages looking for food and water, which leads to the destruction of crops, causing the farmers to employ violent methods to get rid of them.
In other instances, elephants would get aggressive and attack farmers. If you pluck someone who lives in a town and tell them to live in a village, they would not know how to coexist with the wildlife; they would carry the fear and treat them with aggression, said Zaineb Akbarally, vice president of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society.
People visit a sick wild elephant in Thirappane, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to a subspecies of endangered Asian elephants and had a population of over 5,000 elephants in 2011, according to a government survey. But Akbarally doesn’t think that s an accurate number since it is difficult to count elephants in the wild, and numbers appear to have been in decline. “We’ve pretty much lost all the elephants in the central highlands,” she said, adding that only one herd remained in the Peak Wilderness nature reserve and two elephants in Sinhraja, the country s last primary rain forest, that had previously belonged to bigger herds.
Elephants have been sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists in Sri Lanka and were considered a symbol of pride to ancient rulers, who employed them in battles. To this day, domesticated elephants play a key role in Esala Perahera, an annual Buddhist cultural and religious procession, where they carry a replica of Buddha s tooth relic (the holiest religious relic for Sri Lankan Buddhists) in a casket, caprisoned in extravagant sequin-embroidered outfits accompanied by fire performers, drummers and dancers in Kandy. However, wildlife activists allege that elephants are tortured by mahouts to perform during the procession.
Elephant populations in Sri Lanka started to fall during colonial rule as the Portuguese, Dutch and then the British captured them for export. Historical records also suggest that the British killed over 5,000 elephants in 15 years as they hunted them for sport. But after independence in 1948, as infrastructure projects started getting built in the country to provide land to the landless and reduce population density, forest cover was cleared and new farmlands were created next to the elephant habitats, which laid the ground for the current conflict.
In response, local authorities started fencing elephants inside protected wildlife parks. But two-thirds of the home ranges of wild elephants, which included their feeding, watering, mating and resting sites, lay outside these parks. This also led to overcrowding, and elephants ventured into villages. Many died of starvation or became malnourished.
Currently, there are 26 national parks in Sri Lanka, and most elephants live in the large ones such as Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe and Minneriya. But in a 2019 survey, conservationists found out that while humans lived in 70% of these elephant ranges, only 18.4% of the elephant ranges were in those protected parks.
Meanwhile, farmers were growing crops like sugarcane, rice and vegetables that elephants loved to eat, so they would raid and destroy the crops and knock down houses in the process. Farmers, who are often impoverished and vulnerable, tended to retaliate by shooting at them or bursting firecrackers. Between January and April of 2023, 38 elephants were shot dead in Sri Lanka, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Villagers also use jaw bombs to drive elephants away. To make these, they pack gunpowder and metal scraps with fodder and hide them inside watermelons and pumpkins, which detonate when bitten. While these instantly kill smaller animals, they end up wounding large animals like elephants or shattering their jawbone so they can no longer eat or drink and suffer a slow, painful death with injuries. In 2022, as many as 55 wild elephants died due to this explosive bait.
Christy Nikson, 36, a farmer in Thikkodai village in eastern Sri Lanka, uses a small, low-voltage electric fence to guard his farm, but it offers little to no help now. Elephants are smart. When they see the fence, they cover it with dry wood, step on it, and come to our paddy fields, he said. For six to eight months every year, when water is scarce, Nikson and the villagers have to battle with elephants every single day. Elephants also know the smell of wheat flour. And they love it, Nikson said. When we have flour or roti in our kitchens, they try to enter from our backyards, try to break into our homes, and take the food using their trunks.
It is a very painful situation for low-income rural communities at the heart of this conflict, according to Akbarally. The crops are their bread and butter, it s their livelihood. Suddenly, animals come and destroy your livelihood. We haven’t given people a sense of security either, she said. If there s some sort of compensation when farmers lose their crops, it can at least mitigate the animals being shot and killed.
While the government did introduce an insurance scheme in 2013 to cover elephant damage to crops, farmers complained it was difficult to claim the funds or that the coverage was limited. Pritiviraj Fernando, chairman of the Centre for Conservation and Research, explained that it s challenging to verify crop loss caused by elephants. If a farmer is not happy with the compensation, they can even encourage elephants to come and eat the crops. So these programs are very difficult to implement, he said, adding that the situation leads to distrust between farmers and local authorities.
Sri Lanka s three decades of civil war also had an impact on conflict between humans and elephants. When the war was underway in the northern and eastern regions, it forced people to flee their homes and abandon their farmlands. With limited human activity, wild elephants started venturing into these areas again. However, as many people started resettling in their villages after the war ended in 2009, it worsened conflict with the elephants.
Meanwhile, over the last few decades the government’s response has been a repeat of the past, as they have forced more elephants into smaller pockets of forest cover creating unsustainable conditions. They do this through elephant drives, which involve hundreds of people walking through the forest and chasing elephants away by making different kinds of noises, firing thousands of firecrackers or shooting at the sky. Electric fences are also erected on the boundaries of these protected areas so that elephants cannot return.
Yet often these elephants do end up returning to the villages. For instance, when shrublands were cleared for the Mahaweli Development Project a program that began in the 1960s, covering 39% of the country s area, aiming to develop agricultural land and create hydroelectric power facilities the wildlife department conducted a large elephant drive to move 130 elephants into the Wilpattu National Park, but about 50 of them returned.
Over 100 ended up returning after 150 elephants were driven into the Maduru Oya National Park in 1988. While the authorities haven’t done any major drives since 2006, they conduct smaller ones when people complain. But these kinds of drives only increase the aggressiveness of elephants and subject them to severe stress, said Fernando.
While young calves and adult females live in herds, adult males lead a solitary life. And it s often these bull elephants that raid crops and cause human deaths, injuries and damage to property. Over the years, researchers have found that while elephant drives chase away some of the herds they do not drive away the aggressive, solitary males.
Later on, when the Sri Lankan government realized they could not fence wild elephants, they started building holding grounds to retain and rehabilitate them. But conservationists believe that these grounds do not hold enough food for elephants. Audit reports have also revealed mismanagement of funds allocated for feeding elephants. Out of the 65 elephants that were housed at the first holding ground in Horowpathana National Park, 16 of them died in the first six years due to malnutrition. A few were shot dead while trying to escape the grounds. Irrespective of these concerns, the government is planning to build another holding ground in southern Sri Lanka.
“Almost half of the country is now shared by elephants and humans. So it shows that the attempt to limit elephants to protected areas has completely failed and it s not an option,” said Fernando.
Looking for ways to mitigate the conflict, Fernando and his team have been testing community fencing initiatives across villages in the country. They’ve been experimenting with different kinds of electric fences to be placed around farmland to protect human habitats, as opposed to national parks which limit elephants access to sites of food and water. These fences were removed after cultivation and animals were allowed to pass through the farmlands, which, Fernando said, reduced conflict and safeguarded crops.
But small organizations can only show the way, said Fernando. Initiatives have to be planned and implemented by the government. The government has always announced plans and appointed committees but no action has been taken on the ground. Just last year, Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, said that a new policy would be formed to address the conflict, but there has been no follow-up to that statement since then.
“We need to make the right policy and governance decisions,” Akbarally said. “Instead, we are creating more conflict by setting up more and more infrastructure developments, constantly cutting down forests and putting more pressure on these animals. It s not like the elephants come out and decide one day , ‘let s go to war with humans.’”
By Zinara Rathnayake
(New Lines Magazine)
Tourism remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange in Sri Lanka.
As the tourist industry continues its post pandemic recovery and looks toward a more sustainable and innovative future, the role of strategic planning and policy direction has been more important. In this interview Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism,, and a respected academic in this field shares his insight on the current state of the Sri Lankan tourism industry, emerging trends, challenges facing the sector and the governments vision for positioning Sri Lanka as a leading global destination.
With a vision focused on sustainability, innovation, and destination competitiveness, he is playing a pivottal role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. He shares his insights on the opportunities, challeges,and strategic direction of tourism in the years ahead. A first class graduate of Rajarata University and holds an MBA and a doctorate from Sichuan University, China. He launched Sri Lanka’s first Tourism and Hospitality Management degree at Uva Wellassa , endorsed by the UNWTO.
Excerpts of the interview.
(Q) Are you seeing a decline in visitors in Sri Lanka due to geo-political tensions?What segments of the tourism industry are most affected: luxury, leisure or group travel?
(A) Sri Lanka has not experienced a dramatic decline in arrivals, overall, but global geopolitical tensions do influence travel sentiment. The most affected segments are group travel and leisure tourism, as these travellers are more sensitive to perceptions of safety. Luxury tourism remains comparatively resilient, with high-end visitors continuing to seek curated, exclusive experiences.
(Q) Is Sri Lanka experiencing cancellations or postponements from travellers in conflicted zones? Are hotels and resorts reporting reduced occupancy linked to uncertainty in the region?
(A) Yes, there have been cancellations and postponements from travellers originating in conflict affected regions, particularly the Middle East. Some hotels and resorts have reported reduced occupancy during peak uncertainty periods. However, arrivals from other regions remain strong, balancing the overall impact.
(Q) What measures is the Sri Lankan tourism sector taking to mitigate the impact of local stability?
(A) The Ministry has adopted a proactive approach:
Transparent communication through embassies, airlines, and official tourism portals.
Safety protocols coordinated with law enforcement and emergency services.
Marketing resilience campaigns highlighting Sri Lanka’s stability and diverse attractions.
Stakeholder engagement with hoteliers, tour operators, and airlines to align strategies.
(Q) Do you expect a short-term disruption or long-term impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism growth?
Are you seeing early warning signs such as cancellations, reduced flight bookings or shorter stays?
(A) We anticipate short-term disruptions rather than long term setbacks. Early warning signs such as reduced flight bookings and shorter stays are being monitored. However, Sri Lanka’s fundamentals — diverse attractions, strong hospitality, and cultural authenticity — remain intact, ensuring recovery once tensions ease.
(Q) Boutique luxury tourism is often seen as niche – how central is it to Sri Lanka’s overall tourism strategy right now?
(A) Boutique luxury is central to our tourism strategy. It attracts high value travellers who contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings while demanding sustainable, authentic experiences. This segment also diversifies our tourism portfolio beyond mass tourism, making the industry more resilient.
(Q) How is the government defining boutique luxury in Sri Lankan context?
(A) Boutique luxury in Sri Lanka is defined by personalised, small scale experiences rooted in cultural and natural heritage. It emphasises exclusivity, authenticity, and sustainability rather than sheer opulence, offering intimate stays in properties that reflect local architecture and traditions.
(Q) What makes Sri Lanka uniquely competitive in boutique luxury compared to destinations like the Maldives, Thailand and Bali?
(A) Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its diversity. Unlike the Maldives, which is primarily a beach destination, or Bali and Thailand, which focus heavily on wellness and nightlife, Sri Lanka offers a multifaceted experience: pristine beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and Ayurveda wellness — all within short travel distances. This variety, combined with boutique hospitality, makes us uniquely competitive.
(Q) How do you balance encouraging foreign investment while preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural authenticity?
(A) We welcome foreign investment but ensure it aligns with our cultural identity. Guidelines require investors to integrate local design, employ Sri Lankan staff, and source materials locally. This ensures development enhances our heritage rather than dilutes it, creating partnerships that benefit both investors and communities.
(Q) Boutique luxury often interacts with sustainability – how is the Ministry ensuring that growth in this segment benefits local communities?
(A) The Ministry ensures boutique luxury growth benefits communities by:
Promoting local sourcing of food, crafts, and services.
Supporting eco friendly construction and operations in boutique resorts.
Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives where locals directly participate in guiding, hosting, and cultural performances.
(Q) How do you retain skilled hospitality professionals within Sri Lanka?
(A) Retention is achieved through:
Competitive compensation aligned with international standards.
Continuous training programmes in partnership with global hospitality schools.
Career pathways that allow professionals to grow within Sri Lanka.
Recognition programmes to celebrate excellence in service.
(Q) Where do you see Sri Lanka’s boutique luxury tourism sector in the next five years?
(A)In the next five years, Sri Lanka aims to be recognised as a regional leader in boutique luxury tourism. We envision a network of boutique properties integrated into cultural and ecological landscapes, offering world class service while maintaining authenticity. This sector will be a key driver of sustainable growth and foreign exchange earnings.
(Q) What markets are you targeting for boutique luxury tours?
(A) We are targeting highspending travellers from Europe, North America, and East Asia. These markets value exclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity — qualities that Sri Lanka’s boutique luxury sector embodies. We are also exploring niche markets such as wellness travellers and cultural enthusiasts.
(Q) How has the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel affected overall tourism arrivals in Sri Lanka?
(A) The ongoing conflict has created uncertainty in global travel, particularly in the Middle East. While Sri Lanka has not experienced a dramatic decline, arrivals from conflict adjacent regions have slowed. To mitigate this, we are diversifying source markets, strengthening promotions in Europe and Asia, and reassuring travellers through diplomatic channels and tourism partners.
By Zanita Careem ✍️
As Sri Lanka’s southern tourism corridor continues to attract travellers from across the globe, Serenity Tissa stands out as a destination where comfort, culture and nature come together in perfect harmony, offering guests an unforgettable journey into the soul of the island, southern heritage.
While many visitors journey through the Cultural Triangle in search of the Island’s ancient treasures, Tissamaharama itself stands as a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty.
Set amidst this historic landscape of Tissamaharama, Serenity Tissa offers a unique retreat in the cradle of Southern Civilisation .
Nestled in the historic heartland of Tissamaharama Serenity Tissa offers far more than a comfortable stay, it delivers an experience deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s Southern charm, cultured heritage and natural beauty.
Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of Tissa Wewa and located within easy reach of the famed Yala National Park, the boutique-style property has steadily earned a reputation among both local and international travellers seeking serenity, comfort and authentic Southern hospitality. Build on the grounds of an ancestral home, once owned by Patric De Silva, Serenity Tissa gracefully blends the warmth of a family residence with the conversion to a modern boutique-style hotel. Fortress inspired architecture, lush mango tress and peaceful open space create a welcoming retreat for travellers eager to explore the cultural and wildlife treasures of Sri Lanka’s deep South.
The hotel’s strategic location places guest close to some of the regions most treasured landmarks, including Yala and Bundala National Park, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Kirinda Temple, Yatala Vihara and Sandagari Stupa, to mention a few.
-
- Beautiful blend of nature, comfort and hospitality
-
- Sanctuary of calm and rejuvention, offers the perfect escape
-
- Elegantly designed for comfort
-
- Authentic Sri Lankan flavours
For adventure seeking, safari excursions this place remains a major attraction, while those seeking relaxation they can simply unwind besides the hotel’s swimming pool or enjoy the calm beauty of the surrounding landscape. Serenity Tissa rooms are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, offering a range of accommodation options suitable for couples, families and groups.
Managing Director Ajith de Silva dedication and commitment
Spacious interiors and warm hospitality have consistently drawn praises from guests from around the world. Dining at the hotel is another memorable highlight. The open air restaurant celebrates the bold and aesthetic flavours of Southern Sri Lankan cuisines with dishes inspired by coastal traditions and local village, kitchens. Fresh sea food delicacies, rich curries and fragrant spices combine to create a culinary experiences that reflects the region’s vibrant food culture. The executive chef Rushira, who has years of experience, said ‘At Serenity Tissa Southern hospitality with refined experience, inspired by Sri Lankan rich cultural and culinary heritage is bought to life in all our dishes. Ambul Thiyal. mouthwatering pol sambol, sea food kottu, all reflecting bold flavours of the south. The use of coconut milk, aromatic spices, creates a memorable culinary journey that introduce visitors to the local tastes.
His passion for authentic Southern Sri Lankan cuisine shines though every dish, offering guests an unforgettable experience. Under the leadership of the Managing Director Ajith de Silva, he has played a pivotal role in tranforning a family inspired hospitality, into one of Tissamaharama’s most welcoming boutique destinations.
Guided by his vision Serenity Tissa has emerged as a distinctive hospitality destination in Sri Lanka’s southern vision, offering the warm and personalised hospitality for which Serenity Tissa is renowned for. Frequently praised by guests, numerous reviews full attention, memorable guests experiences makes it a preferred choice for travellers exploring the historic attractions of the region
What is so special about Serenity Tissa is the personalised hospitality, numerous traveller reviews, dedication of the staff, a blend of warm Sri Lankan hospitality personalised services and authentic local experiences.
Ajith de Silva’s vision has helped position the property as a preferred base for travellers exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Tissamaharama Hotel The Manager Thushara Samarasuriya whose dedication and attention in detail have also contributed significantly to the hotel’s reputation for excellence.
Serenity Tissa offers a gateway to the history, culture and natural wonders of Southern Sri Lanka Under the guidance of its dedicated team, Serenity Tissa continues to create lasting memories for guests from around the world.
By Zanita Careem ✍️
Tiesh Sri Lanka, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and celebration of Sri Lankan gemstones, has appointed Sabina Yousaf as the newest face of the brand. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both Tiesh and Sabina, uniting two names that embody grace, sophistication, and a deep appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship.
Sabina Yousaf recently brought pride to Sri Lanka on the global stage when she was crowned Second Runner-Up at the 41st Mrs World pageant. As the reigning Mrs World Sri Lanka, she has captivated audiences locally and internationally with her poise, intelligence, and charisma, becoming an inspiring figure admired by many across the country.
A successful businesswoman and passionate advocate for community empowerment, Sabina’s values closely align with the philosophy of Tiesh. Her commitment to giving back to society reflects the principles long championed by Founder and Managing Director of Tiesh, Lasantha De Fonseka, who has consistently emphasised compassion, generosity, and supporting communities, values that have also been instilled in the next generation of the brand, Thiyasha and Ayesh De Fonseka.
Sabina with the Directors of Tiesh (From Left): Thiyasha, Lasantha, Bryony, and Ayesh De Fonseka
Thiyasha and Ayesh – passionate about thier business
With a legacy spanning over two decades, Tiesh Sri Lanka has established itself as one of the country’s leading jewellery brands, celebrated for blending contemporary elegance with the natural beauty of Sri Lankan gemstones. Beyond jewellery, the brand has become a destination that educates and inspires, offering customers an appreciation of fine craftsmanship, artistry, and heritage.
Renowned for its dedication to excellence, Tiesh continues to uphold its legacy of creating jewellery that epitomises luxury, sophistication, and meticulous attention to detail. Every creation is thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted by skilled local artisans using the finest precious stones, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
Commenting on the collaboration, Founder and Managing Director of Tiesh, Lasantha De Fonseka stated, “Sabina embodies everything that Tiesh stands for: elegance, confidence, authenticity, and grace. Her inspiring journey, both nationally and internationally, resonates strongly with our values as a brand. We are delighted to welcome her into the Tiesh family as she represents the spirit of the modern Sri Lankan woman with remarkable strength and sophistication.”
Tiesh Director, Ayesh De Fonseka added, “We are incredibly excited to have Sabina as the face of Tiesh. She is admired both locally and internationally, and her presence brings a fresh sense of modern femininity and confidence to the brand. This partnership reflects our vision of positioning Tiesh on a greater global platform while remaining deeply rooted in Sri Lankan heritage and craftsmanship.”
Speaking on the partnership, Sabina Yousaf expressed her admiration for the brand and the significance of becoming its newest ambassador.
“For me, Tiesh is far more than a jewellery brand. It represents history, artistry, and an enduring passion for craftsmanship. What makes Tiesh truly exceptional is its deep connection to the heritage of Sri Lankan gemstones and the incredible artistry behind every creation. Each piece reflects elegance, individuality, and timeless beauty,” she said.
“This collaboration feels incredibly meaningful because the brand aligns so naturally with my own personal style, values, and appreciation for authenticity. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to work with a brand that I deeply admire and respect.”
She further added, “Jewellery, to me, is a powerful form of self-expression. It reflects individuality, personality, and confidence. The pieces we choose often tell a story about who we are, and I believe jewellery has the ability not only to elevate one’s style, but also to inspire confidence and presence.”
The collaboration between Tiesh and Sabina Yousaf symbolises a shared vision of elegance, empowerment, and timeless beauty. As the brand continues to evolve while honouring its rich legacy, this partnership further strengthens Tiesh’s position as a leading name in contemporary luxury jewellery. (ZC)
-
News6 days agoLankan duo emerge winners in Latin dance championship held in Blackpool, UK
-
Business7 days agoIMF’s unstated rate:Sri Lanka’s $695m loan costs about 5.33% per annum
-
Latest News4 days agoKusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, bowlers put Sri Lanka 1-0 up
-
News4 days agoNew US tariffs proposed on 60 countries, including Sri Lanka
-
Business7 days agoSri Lankan scientist-innovator Milinda Edirisinghe introduces AI-integrated gem testing system to gemological world
-
Features3 days agoPower crept into the Sangha and is now tearing it apart
-
News7 days agoUNP challenges NPP move to amend Vihara – Devalagam Act
-
News6 days agoSri Lankan teen killed in Chennai clash; three arrested