Fixing warning boards, clearing thickets, minimising train speed could save elephants – Dr. Kuruwitaaratchchi

The Information and Communication Technology Department, Sri Jayewardenepura University yesterday expressed concern over the continuous deaths of wild elephants due to train accidents and said fixing warning boards at identified elephant roaming areas, clearing thickets on either side of railway tracks and also minimise the train speed at relevant places are the only solution to prevent wild elephant deaths.

Sri Jayewardenepura University, Senior Lecturer Dr. Nuwan Kuruwitaaratchchi said although several proposals were made to responsible officials in the Railway Department in the past to take measures to minimize elephant deaths following train accidents. But no solutions were taken to minimize deaths of elephants that are crossing railway tracks in respected areas.

According to the latest accident that occurred at Rotawewa Junction, Minneriya on October 19 around 3.00 pm three elephants were knocked down by a train that was carrying fuel to Batticaloa. Two elephants died on the spot and another elephant was badly injured. The injured elephant is now being treated by authorities.

The Railway Department further said a similar accident had occurred between Habarana and Batticaloa railway track in 2021 and six wild elephants were knocked by a train and died on the spot.

According to the Railway Department, a committee had been appointed to investigate Saturday’s incident and the report will be released soon. However, Dr. Kuruwitaaratchchi says immediate actions should be taken to prevent such accidents in future, unless the country’s elephant population will be reduced gradually and it will also be a threat to our tourism industry as a large number of both local and foreign tourists visit elephant roaming areas throughout the year.

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