Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Pathirana has announced plans to establish a dedicated wildlife hospital and a mobile medical unit to treat sick and injured elephants, in response to the recent surge in wild elephant shootings.
He made this announcement during a visit to the Polonnaruwa Wildlife Zone, where he inspected a critically injured elephant that had been shot.
The tusker, which sustained a gunshot wound to its right leg, is currently receiving treatment from wildlife officers in Kalundawa, who are also providing food and other essential care.
Encouragingly, the elephant has shown slight improvement and is now able to make limited movements with its front leg.
Minister Pathirana has directed the Department of Wildlife Conservation to provide all necessary support, including medical scans and blood tests, to speed up the tusker’s recovery.
