Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
Security Forces personnel have already commenced active involvement in the national initiative to protect Sri Lanka's wild elephant population and mitigate human-elephant conflict, with joint operations conducted alongside wildlife authorities resulting in the detection of illegal firearms, explosive traps and the arrest of three suspects, including a woman, in the Kekirawa area.
This coordinated military involvement is being facilitated under the direction and guidance of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), who has emphasised the importance of bringing together the operational capabilities of the Tri-Services and relevant government institutions to strengthen wildlife protection efforts. As part of this arrangement, a dedicated Operations Room at Army Headquarters has been established to coordinate and monitor the activities of the Tri-Services in collaboration with the Munistry of Environment, Department of Wildlife Conservation and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring a systematic and coordinated response to threats against wildlife.
The Sri Lanka Army, in collaboration with wildlife officers, and Air Force Veterinary Surgeon has already conducted joint operations in the Meekiriyawa and Neeginiyawa areas as part of the national programme to ensure the protection of wildlife and targeting illegal firearms and devices used to harm wildlife.
These operations resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of an illegal cartridge firearm, trap guns, ammunition, lead pellets, deer antlers, knives made from deer antlers and other items.
Meanwhile, the islandwide 'Hasthi Sena' operation, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the Tri-Services and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, commenced on 02 November in the Galgamuwa area. The Army deployed 60 personnel organised into 10 operational teams under six groups to support the initial phase, which focuses on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. The operation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Commander of the Army and is being implemented through a scientific and systematic approach. This operation will encompasses about 80 percent of identified jungles where elephant roam.
The broader initiative focuses on addressing threats to elephants, including illegal firearms, hakka patas (explosive bait), unauthorised electric fences and snares, through coordinated surveillance, intelligence sharing, field operations and legal enforcement. Under the Defence Secretary's direction, the Ministry of Defence continues to facilitate the effective contribution of the Tri-Services towards the Ministry of Environment in strengthening national wildlife protection efforts and reducing human-elephant conflict.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
