Srilal talks about Sri Lankan Elephants in Melbourne

Tuesday, 18 October 2016 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

During a recent visit to Melbourne, Srilal Miththapala, wildlife, nature and elephant enthusiast and tourism professional of Sri Lanka, delivered a talk/slide presentation on ‘Elephants of Sri Lanka: The Past, Present and Future’ to a select, and very interested audience of members of the Waverly Senior Citizens Club, Melbourne.

Srilal, who has considerable experience in watching and studying wild elephants in Sri Lanka, firstly traced the historical and strong cultural and religious ties the elephant has had with Sri Lanka.

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However over the years, due to rapid development and destruction of elephant habitat, population numbers have reduced to around 6,500 from 15,000 in the early 1900s. Almost daily there are reports of Human Elephant Conflict, with about 200-250 elephants getting killed annually. He outlined the actual situation currently prevailing and discussed it at length

To conclude, he endeavoured to suggest some suggestions and strategies that may mitigate the Human Elephant Conflict in the future, and save this majestic animal from complete annihilation in the wild.

There was a lengthy and vibrant session of Q&A, followed by warm fellowship among this close knit group.

The Waverly Senior Citizens Club meets every fortnight, aiming to promote a positive life style to its members. The Club held its AGM on 14 October with the highlight being the in acting of the famous Nari-Bena musical by members and all participants, guided by the veteran Jayasiri Chandranath.