What happened in the Galgamuwa Dala Poottuwa killing case

We see the majestic elephant with enormous tusks, known as Dalaputtawa of Galgamuwa, looking at a group of people including a cameraman in a forest near a village. However, this proud elephant, known as Dalaputtawa of Galgamuwa, was shot and killed.

Currently, a case is being heard in the Kurunegala High Court against four defendants, including a Grama Niladhari (village officer), on charges of illegal possession of its tusks.

When the case was recalled, Kurunegala High Court Judge Tikiri Jayathilake emphasized that the court cannot punish defendants based on emotions merely because environmental organizations make requests. However, the judge also stated that if the charges are proven, such criminals will receive the maximum punishment within the existing legal framework.

The High Court Judge pointed out that there are shortcomings in the investigations conducted regarding the killing of Dalaputtawa and stated that the court cannot rectify such shortcomings. Accordingly, the Attorney General's Department was informed that the charges in this case should be amended. The judge further emphasized that the involvement of government employees in such crimes and the economic value of tuskers cannot be underestimated.

A sensitive legal discussion also arose before the court. Lawyers representing environmental organizations, appearing for the aggrieved party, requested the court to order compensation from the defendants for the welfare of elephants. In response, the judge questioned the lawyers whether an elephant is considered a victim under the Victims and Witness Protection Act.

In response, the lawyers representing environmental organizations stated that the tusked elephant Kavanthissa has been killed in the present day. They pointed out that a large number of such elephants and tuskers have been killed by shooting and various other methods for a long time, especially recently. The lawyers stated that only the rule of law can suppress this situation and requested that such criminals be given the maximum punishment. They also said that if not, there is a risk of future generations losing natural resources.

Ms. Shamikala Kumari, State Counsel, appeared representing the Attorney General for the prosecution. Lawyers Lakmal Rathnayake and Ahmed Raseedi appeared for the defendants, under the instructions of Senior Counsel Keerthi Dunusinghe. For the rights of Dalaputtawa, lawyers Vindya Diwulwewa, Bhagya Seneviratne, and Hansani Premaratne appeared with Mr. Dhananjaya Bandara, under the instructions of Mr. Malaka Palliyaguruge, representing the animal organizations Sri Lanka Wild Elephant Conservation Council, Husma Organization, and Mettha Foundation for Tomorrow.

The High Court Judge ordered that this case, related to the illegal possession of the tusks of Dalaputtawa of Galgamuwa, be recalled on January 25, 2027.