The carcasses of three wild elephants, including a tusker whose tusks had been removed, were discovered in the Digampathaha area of the Inamaluwa Forest Reserve, according to an Ada Derana report.
Local residents claim that a total of six elephant carcasses—including the tusker—have been found in the reserve, with some dating back nearly a month.
Journalists were led by villagers to the remains of two elephants and the tusker, while the remaining three carcasses are reportedly in inaccessible and dangerous areas due to wild animal activity, firearms traps, and difficult terrain.
Residents allege that the individuals who first discovered the bodies failed to properly report the incident to authorities.
Forest conservation officers notified the Sigiriya Wildlife Office after spotting the carcasses, which lie within the jurisdiction of the Forest Conservation Department.
Investigators located three carcasses at intervals of about one kilometre within the forest, confirming that the tusker’s tusks had been removed, raising suspicions of poaching.
Eyewitnesses and residents report the presence of six dead elephants in the area, though only three have been officially confirmed so far.
Wildlife Conservation Officer S.S. Malinda confirmed receiving reports of three elephant deaths, with one carcass reportedly located outside his jurisdiction.
He also stated that no formal investigation or post-mortem examinations had been carried out to determine the cause of death.
Concerns continue to grow among local communities over possible poaching activities and the lack of prompt and thorough response by wildlife authorities.
