The Department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed that at least 20 injured elephants are currently receiving treatment across various wildlife zones in Sri Lanka.
Most of the elephants being treated have suffered leg injuries, primarily caused by gunshot wounds and snares.
According to officials, eight elephants are being treated in the Anuradhapura zone, four in Polonnaruwa, three in the Northwestern zone, and five in the Uva wildlife zone.
The Department’s Director General, Ranjan Marasinghe, stated that a request has been made to the Inspector General of Police, seeking technical and logistical support to investigate three elephant deaths reported from the Digampathaha area.
At a press briefing on 23rd of July Venerable Pagoda Janithawansa Thera, representing the animal welfare community, alleged that an organized group is behind the recent spate of elephant killings.
