BASL presses for stronger wildlife protection laws amid record elephant deaths

Saturday, 23 August 2025 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says SL elephant killings highest in the world
BASL preparing long-term proposals
Urges short-term measures like giving Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance more teeth by raising fines and penalties

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday said it has urged President Anura Kumara Disanayake to tighten penalties under the country’s wildlife laws, citing a rise in elephant and leopard killings that it says demand urgent intervention.

In a letter to President Disanayake, the BASL said the country’s fauna and flora form a critical part of its heritage and economy.

“Your Excellency will no doubt appreciate that the fauna and flora of Sri Lanka form an important constituent of the rich and diverse heritage of the country, which must be preserved and protected for future generations. This is also an important attraction for the millions of foreign tourists who travel to Sri Lanka and the vital role the same plays in the economy of the country,” it said.

“In this backdrop, the BASL notes with concern the increased number of elephant deaths, which presently ranks as the highest in the world. In the past, there have also been many killings of leopards and other fauna,” the lawyers’ collective said.

The BASL called for immediate amendments to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, including an increase in fines and penalties as short-term deterrents to illegal killings. Longer-term reforms will follow in the form of detailed proposals that the BASL said it plans to present to the President.

“The relevant laws in this sphere need urgent revision and update,” the BASL said, adding that it stood ready to assist the Government in drafting and implementing reforms.