BY Buddhika SamaraweeraAttorney General (AG) Sanjay Rajaratnam yesterday (20) gave an undertaking to submit a report, within a period of two weeks, regarding the incident where seven elephants were found dead in the Habarana, Digampathana, Hiriwadunna, and Thumbikulama Reserves in September 2019. When contacted by The Morning, CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage said they filed the petition seeking a Writ of Mandamus order in order for the relevant authorities to formulate a national policy for the protection of elephants. He also said that through the petition, it is sought for the said national policy to include steps to be taken on minimising elephant attacks on humans and properties. A team comprising DWC officers, veterinary officers, and Army personnel were deployed to carry out initial investigations in the area and the DWC officials suspected that the elephants may have died due to poisoning. The DWC officials also confirmed that all deceased elephants were female and were either pregnant or were mothers with young calves.

Source: The Nation July 20, 2021 18:11 UTC