Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says all those involved in killing the elephant at Seeppukulama in Mihintale must be punished without discrimination.
In a special message on social media, Premadasa said that a group had set fire to the elephant in the Ambagaha Wewa area of Mihintale, Anuradhapura District, describing it as a vile, despicable and disgraceful act.
He stressed that everyone responsible must be brought before the law, and that the government, the Wildlife Department, and civil society must work together to prevent such barbaric incidents.
Premadasa also paid tribute to the wildlife veterinarians and officials who treated the sick elephant, expressing gratitude for their service. He emphasized that such heinous acts must be condemned by the entire nation and stopped immediately.
He further noted that the legal process against those involved should be implemented without delay, to demonstrate that anyone committing such acts will be held accountable. As an environmentalist, he expressed sorrow over the incident, highlighting that human–elephant conflict is increasing in Sri Lanka and requires a clear, community‑based programme to minimize it.
Premadasa added that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is committed to supporting efforts to resolve the human–elephant conflict and protect both human and elephant lives. He called for strengthening the resource‑strapped Wildlife Department with adequate human and physical resources, and for implementing a national programme to prevent human–elephant conflict. He also stressed the need for a national awareness campaign starting from schools in areas where human–elephant and human–wildlife conflicts occur.
Premadasa concluded that the government has failed to implement a clear programme to prevent the human–elephant conflict, and therefore an urgent national plan must be introduced. (Newswire)
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