Investigation launched into tusker found dead with tusk removed

Tuesday, 3 November 2026 04:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Investigations have been launched after a tusker was found dead with its left tusk cut off and removed in a forested area in Kahatagasdigiliya, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.

Wildlife officers discovered the carcass on Sunday in a forested area adjoining a paddy field near the Kayagollewa tank, within the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division. Officials believe the tusker died about a week before it was found.

Preliminary observations suggest the left tusk was cut off with a weapon after the animal’s death. The tusker is estimated to have been between 20 and 25 years old and about seven feet tall.

The circumstances of the death were expected to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court yesterday, while the Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Unit will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence and wildlife officials have begun investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for removing the tusk and to establish how the animal died. Wildlife officers and Civil Defence Force personnel have been deployed to protect the carcass.

Wildlife officers discovered the carcass on Sunday in a forested area adjoining a paddy field near the Kayagollewa tank, within the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division. Officials believe the tusker died about a week before it was found.

Preliminary observations suggest the left tusk was cut off with a weapon after the animal’s death. The tusker is estimated to have been between 20 and 25 years old and about seven feet tall.

The circumstances of the death were expected to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court yesterday, while the Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Unit will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence and wildlife officials have begun investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for removing the tusk and to establish how the animal died. Wildlife officers and Civil Defence Force personnel have been deployed to protect the carcass.