New elephant protection initiative launched in memory of Kavantissa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for constitutional amendments to recognize the rights of elephants, wildlife, biodiversity and the environment as fundamental rights, allowing violations to be challenged before the courts.

Speaking at a meeting with wildlife conservationists, civil society representatives and other stakeholders at the Opposition Leader’s Office on Sunday (October 18), Premadasa said the existing constitutional provisions on environmental protection were insufficient to ensure accountability.

He explained that while fundamental rights under Chapter III of the Constitution are enforceable through the courts, the Directive Principles of State Policy under Chapter VI do not provide the same legal remedies.

Premadasa proposed extending fundamental rights protections to wildlife, plants and the environment, enabling legal action when their interests are threatened.

The meeting was held following the death of Kavantissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, who died on October 16 after receiving treatment for several weeks following a gunshot injury.

Premadasa also called for a comprehensive investigation involving local and international experts into the circumstances surrounding Kavantissa’s death.

He said he would seek details in Parliament regarding the elephant’s blood test results, post-mortem findings, veterinary treatment and actions taken by wildlife authorities.

The Opposition Leader proposed establishing a dedicated hospital for elephants, an emergency veterinary response team and a special protection unit to safeguard prominent tuskers, including Mahasen and Agbo.

He also called for the development of a national database of elephants, with contributions from wildlife photographers, researchers and conservationists who have closely monitored individual animals over the years.

Premadasa said Sri Lanka needed a national land-use plan based on scientific data to protect elephant habitats and migration corridors, particularly in areas such as Wilpattu, Wilachchiya, Thabbowa, Anamaduwa and Kahalla-Pallekele.

Highlighting shortcomings within the Department of Wildlife Conservation, he raised concerns over shortages of staff and resources, as well as disputes involving scientific, veterinary and administrative services.

He criticized wildlife conservation efforts focused on publicity rather than practical action, calling for reforms to strengthen veterinary services and improve coordination between government agencies and civil society.

Premadasa also argued that wildlife protection receives inadequate political attention because animals and the environment do not have voting power.

He urged citizens to work collectively, regardless of political affiliation, to ensure that the authorities give greater priority to wildlife conservation.

Calling for stronger legislation, Premadasa said the killing of elephants and tuskers should be tackled with the same determination as efforts to combat drug trafficking.

He also proposed making environmental education compulsory in schools and establishing a rapid-response unit to address wildlife emergencies.

During the meeting, steps were taken to establish a community-based organization named the Kavantissa Elephant Protection Organization, bringing together wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and civil society representatives.

Premadasa said he would allocate 45 minutes at the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, which he co-chairs, to discuss elephant conservation and invited stakeholders to submit evidence-based proposals.

He stressed that although Kavantissa could not be saved, urgent action was needed to protect Sri Lanka’s remaining elephant population and prevent similar deaths in the future. (Newswire)

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