Seven bullets inside elephant’s body – Prof. Dangolla

Peradeniya University’s Veterinary Department Senior Professor Dr. Asoka Dangolla said seven bullets have entered the body above the heart of ‘Sita’, the female elephant.

Sita, who had come to participate in the annual Randoli Perahera at Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya, was shot at around 3.30 am on September 30.

An officer of the Civil Defence Department (CDD) attached to the Mapakadawewa Wildlife Regional Office was arrested.

Dr. Ashoka Dangolla, said that after a scan, a firm conclusion can be reached regarding the extent to which the bullets that penetrated the skin near the upper part of the elephant’s front left leg have travelled in the body’s internal system.

He further said that in the current situation, it is not possible to treat Sita in an unconsciousness state.

He said the reason for this was the possibility of the inability to regain consciousness if the elephant’s heart has been damaged by the bullets. Prof. Dangolla said that even though the animal has been fed as usual, there may be some changes in the condition of the animal in the next three days.

Meanwhile Acting Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon has ordered authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the shooting at the elephant.

Officials also said that the officer shot ‘Sita’ mistakenly identifying her as a wild elephant after she crossed the river.

The Civil Defence Department has initiated an internal investigation on the incident.

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