The yet to be resolved human-elephant conflict

The recent death of Kavantissa the majestic tusker, led to an outpouring of grief from across the country.  Questions over the animal’s death has led to the Director General of Wildlife appointing a three-member committee to investigate the entire treatment process and related events concerning the elephant while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) too has launched a separate investigation into the incident.

The elephant had been receiving veterinary treatment since late September for an injury to his right front leg, caused by a gunshot and despite efforts by veterinary surgeons, the animal died last Friday.

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called for a parliamentary select committee to be appointed to probe the elephant’s death. 

On the heels of the death of this majestic animal comes the news that around 455 wild elephants have been killed in Sri Lanka in 2025 showing sharp increase from 2024 when the death toll was 388.

Along with this, 160 humans have been killed by elephants in 2025,

while 221 have sustained injuries as a result of wild elephant attacks. Hence, while we mourn the passing of elephants, the human-elephants conflict has to be looked at in an overall manner so that both animals and humans can co-exist.

Elephants are a pride to the country and due to their religious symbolism, they are revered by many. In the past when the population of the country was less and the large extent of jungle cover remained intact, there was enough room for these animals to wander across the country without hindrance, but that is not so anymore. Along with population increases, large extents of land have been cleared for farming, for development projects etc.

On the other hand, there are villagers who live in areas, which the elephants roam about habitually and this has led to the inevitable conflict between man and animal. The elephants raid farms and home gardens looking for food.

For years successive governments have tried various ways to safeguard both man and animal and these have been partially successful. Erecting electric fences in some areas has helped but the animals have now learnt to break the fence and move about. Flares have been issued to the farmers in high-risk areas to deter the elephants entering their farms and homes and this too has seen some results. But the problem remains largely unresolved.

The reality is that the country lacks the resources as well as personnel to deal with the situations that arise from time to time such as Kavantissa’s case. His death has been mourned by all but pointing fingers at the veterinary doctors is not the way to go about it. There is no doubt they did their best, but they were unable to save the animal. It is necessary for people to understand that veterinary doctors engage in a high-risk job and work at the risk to their lives. They work  with limited resources and personnel.

Last year, the acclaimed wildlife documentary series spearheaded by Prince William of the UK and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife program highlighted the brave efforts of Sri Lanka’s wildlife rangers in their fight to save the island’s endangered elephants.

Prince William, who introduces each episode and also narrated the series trailer, reflected on the importance of highlighting these unsung conservation heroes: “I have had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen first-hand the vital work they do. Yet,

 their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature’s Guardians, and the critical work they do.”

It would be good if Sri Lanka also recognises those who work tirelessly in situations like the one around Kavantissa. While the animal’s death is a great loss to the country, let us appreciate those who put in their efforts to try and save him.