Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody revealed that 21 wild elephants have been shot in recent days, prompting authorities to launch a special investigation into the alarming trend.

Speaking in Polonnaruwa on July 25, the Deputy Minister said that similar incidents are being reported from various parts of the country, raising serious concerns about elephant conservation and wildlife protection.

He added that multiple causes have contributed to the recent deaths, including intentional killings and human-elephant conflict.

The death of the iconic tusker ‘Bhathiya’ has drawn widespread public attention, further underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.