An expert committee to investigate Kavantissa's death

The untimely demise of the elephant 'Kavantissa' is not merely the passing of one majestic tusker, but has become a sensitive incident that has drawn state-level attention to take broad steps towards protecting the entire elephant population. To investigate all facts related to the tragic death of Kavantissa, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has now appointed an expert committee.

The responsibility entrusted to this committee extends beyond merely finding the cause of death. Their primary task is to precisely investigate how Kavantissa's death occurred, what immediate and indirect factors contributed to it, and whether there was any oversight or negligence in the animal's treatment.

In addition, the arduous task of formulating a formal standard operating procedure for wild elephant welfare has also been assigned to this expert panel. Furthermore, compiling relevant recommendations for a national program for elephant conservation falls within their scope.

This committee, appointed by the President, is chaired by former Ministry Secretary Mr. A.H. Sarath Wijesinghe. Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A.G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U.K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr. Jagath Gunawardena, and Attorney Charaka Jayaratne serve as the other members. President's Additional Secretary Mr. W.W. Harrison will act as the committee's coordinator.

The committee has been granted full authority to seek assistance from both local and foreign experts in fulfilling this broad mandate. Accordingly, the complete report, which includes the final investigation report related to Kavantissa's death, the proposed framework for standard operating procedures for wild elephant welfare, and the recommendations for a national elephant conservation program, is expected to be submitted to the President within 30 days.