Charges filed for the first time in history under the Public Property Act concerning Digha Dantu's death from high voltage electricity

Authorities are taking steps to file charges against a suspect under the Public Property Act for the first time in Sri Lankan history, regarding the incident where the famous elephant "Deegha Danthu", who lived near the Kalawewa National Park, got entangled in an illegally installed high-voltage electric fence and died.

The magisterial inquiry into this death was called before Kekirawa Magistrate Ms. Udari Gunasekara. There, the Galgiriya Police were ordered to submit an official valuation report of the deceased elephant, with the aim of preparing the necessary background for prosecution under the Public Property Act. The Magistrate further instructed that the elephant's tusks, along with the report, be presented to the court as an exhibit at the next hearing.

This giant elephant, believed to be between 45 and 50 years old, died of electrocution on November 27, 2024, in the Inguruwewa area of Andiyagala. The suspect, Upul Priyantha Bandara, a manager of an insurance company who has been charged with constructing the illegal electric fence and is currently out on bail, also appeared in court that day. Investigations have revealed that the fence installed around his house was not designed as a barrier to deter ordinary wild animals, but was set up to deliver a lethal electric current using a battery system.

The post-mortem examination conducted by wildlife veterinarians confirmed that the animal died of a heart attack as a direct result of electrocution. According to the 'B' report submitted to the court, a severe internal burn wound, approximately one foot long, was observed inside the elephant's trunk. Investigators found unsafe galvanized wires, a UPS machine, a 45-amp black car battery, and a cable approximately 12 feet 9 inches long, believed to have been used to supply electricity to the fence, at the scene. The Forest Conservation Officer also pointed out that a part of the fence had been unnaturally removed.

Emphasizing that strict legal action should be taken regarding the death of such a nationally important animal, several environmental organizations, including the Elephant Conservation Society, have intervened in the case as aggrieved parties. Attorney Savana Ranatunga appeared on behalf of Ms. K. Priyadarshani, the president of the society, and the court ordered the trial to be postponed until August 6, allowing time to submit the valuation report and relevant evidence.