Promoting rural tourism while improving facilities for local communities could significantly contribute to the protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has stated.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, AWC Executive Committee Member Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara emphasized that wild elephants remain a major draw for international tourists and called on the government to take immediate steps to support village-based tourism as a sustainable solution to the growing human-elephant conflict.
Dr. Nanayakkara explained that with adequate infrastructure and support, rural communities might be more willing to coexist with elephants and even engage in tourism activities that incorporate them, creating mutual benefits.
Referring to the recent death of the iconic tusker Bhathiya, he praised the veterinarians of the Department of Wildlife Conservation for their expertise, noting that they often surpass the capabilities of other ministry-appointed doctors.
He also urged the government to take swift action to establish and protect elephant corridors, allowing wild elephants to move freely within their natural habitats and reducing conflict with human settlements.
