Operations to find Agbo the elephant

A massive operation is currently underway to protect Sri Lanka's invaluable wild elephant population. As one step in this, a special search operation aimed at finding the elephant 'Agbo' and ensuring its safety was launched today (19) for the second consecutive day in the vicinity of the Nachchadoowa Tank Reserve.

The Sri Lanka Army and wildlife officials are working together on this operation, which began yesterday (18) afternoon in the Thirappane area, and as of this morning, about fifty army soldiers are participating in it.

Following a discussion between the Minister of Environment and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to expedite the search for Agbo the elephant, this special military team was dispatched on the instructions of the Defence Secretary. According to reported information, Agbo the elephant traveled from the Eruwewa area yesterday, crossed the A-9 road, and moved towards the Nachchadoowa Tank Reserve. Accordingly, with the cooperation of relevant state institutions, search operations have been expanded today to cover the entire reserve.

While urgent steps are being taken for the protection of Agbo the elephant, significant attention has also been drawn to the death of 'Kavantissa' the elephant, who was loved and respected by many. The death of Kavantissa has created a deep shock and a widespread social discourse in the country, and the killing of wild elephants through various methods, including shootings, has become a massive threat to the country's biodiversity and wildlife conservation. For this reason, a complaint has been lodged by the Ministry of Environment with the Criminal Investigation Department and the Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into whether there is any planned conspiracy or organized network operating, targeting the death of Kavantissa the elephant and the wild elephant population.

Through the official request submitted in writing yesterday (18) by the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment to the Inspector General of Police, it was emphasized that the true facts behind the killing of wild elephants in the country, including the death of Kavantissa the elephant, should be revealed through an immediate investigation. It was also stated that identifying all those responsible for this crime without delay and taking legal action against them is a national responsibility to protect the country's wild elephant population. Furthermore, it was requested that these investigations be concluded very quickly, considering the seriousness of the incident, and that the Ministry of Environment be continuously informed about the progress of the investigations and future actions.

Measures are currently being taken to prevent such harassment and killings of wild animals, including wild elephants. Accordingly, joint operations and raids are being carried out by the Tri-Forces, Special Task Force, and Police, led by the Department of Wildlife, and necessary legal actions for the protection of wild animals are also continuously being implemented.