A suspicion that Kavantissa's elephant was murdered

The life journey of 'Kavanthisa' the elephant, who roamed the forests of this country and possessed the largest and most magnificent tusks, came to an end forever last night (16). The demise of this majestic elephant, known as the largest and tallest wild elephant to live in Sri Lanka, is not merely a wildlife tragedy but also raises serious questions before society regarding wild elephant conservation in this country.

Kavanthisa the elephant, who was found collapsed in a paddy field belonging to the Siyambalangamuwa wildlife zone in Galgamuwa recently, had a severe injury on its front right leg. It is suspected to be a gunshot wound, and wildlife officials and the army made strenuous efforts over the past few days to save the elephant's life. Veterinary teams from the Department of Wildlife Conservation provided treatment around the clock, and the leg injury was showing signs of recovery with treatment. However, due to reduced food intake, the elephant's condition worsened again, and ultimately, the elephant faced this tragic fate yesterday afternoon. It is noteworthy that this death was reported against the backdrop of the Ministry of Environment stating yesterday that they hoped to obtain the assistance of a foreign medical team if necessary for the elephant's treatment.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has already taken steps to conduct a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of Kavanthisa the elephant's death. The department states that arrangements are being made to obtain a court order for this purpose this morning (17). Following the acquisition of the relevant court order, a team of experts, including officials from the University of Peradeniya, is scheduled to examine the elephant's body and scientifically confirm the causes of death.

Meanwhile, environmentalists and civil organizations are strongly protesting and leveling accusations regarding the untimely death of this giant. Environmentalists accuse that the elephant did not receive proper treatment, and environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella emphasizes that an independent post-mortem examination should be conducted regarding the death of Kavanthisa the elephant. Furthermore, he states that an urgent investigation should be carried out to determine who shot this elephant king.

Further escalating the situation, the 'Rata Rakina Parapura' organization issued a statement asserting that hundreds of wild elephants have lost their lives since the current administration came to power. Questioning what the rulers, who are celebrating two years of political achievements, could do to protect the lives of wild elephants in this country, the organization reminds that Kavanthisa's death is not merely the death of a wild elephant but the departure of the most captivating elephant king who reigned in the forest. They point out that this poses a serious challenge to the entire governance system regarding whether wildlife conservation responsibilities are being properly fulfilled, and they strongly demand that the Minister of Wildlife and other responsible authorities immediately resign, taking responsibility for this death.

The organization further emphasized in its statement that authorities must take responsibility for the wildlife lives that could not be protected before celebrating political achievements, and that their voice will not be silenced until justice is served for wild elephant lives. As Kavanthisa's lifeless body lay in a paddy field in Siyambalangamuwa, the entire country is now keenly awaiting the post-mortem report regarding this death and the upcoming legal actions.