Sri Lanka is renowned for its beautiful elephant population. However, it is also a country where wild elephants face significant threats, and unfortunately, many have died prematurely. According to wildlife researchers, the elephant population in Sri Lanka is approximately 5,800. In recent years, around 400 elephants have died each year, with many of these deaths attributed to human activities. This includes several reported deliberate killings.
The Kala Wewa ecosystem is the origin of the giant Elephants family
The Kala Wewa is a unique ecosystem in Sri Lanka that serves as a wildlife reserve for many wild elephants. However, the area these elephants inhabit is rapidly decreasing due to various factors, including land acquisition for human use, the construction of human settlements, and the clearing of forests for agricultural purposes. This reduction in space has led to issues such as elephant encroachment. It’s important to note that elephants are not encroaching on their territory; rather, humans are encroaching on the land that naturally belongs to elephants. Unfortunately, on the 28th, we bid farewell to another member of the majestic elephant lineage that once roamed freely in the Kala Wewa ecosystem and its remaining forests.
“Deegha” died in the same manner as it ancestors
An elephant named ‘Deegha 1,’ approximately fifty years old and known for its exceptionally long tusks, was killed in tragic circumstances. While one could argue that this was not a deliberate act of killing, it is evident that there was an intention behind it to cause harm. Deegha died after becoming entangled in an unauthorised power line. This majestic animal ended while on its way to its usual home.
Tourists from various countries flocked to the Kala Wewa National Park to see the majestic figure of ‘Deegha 1,’ an elephant known for its long tusks. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall in recent days raised the water level in the Kala Wewa. As a result, ‘Deegha 1,’ which had been roaming near the water, attempted to journey toward its usual habitat, the Kahalla Pallekele sanctuary.
However, ‘Deegha 1’ could not reach its destination this time. An unauthorised electricity cable installed near a house in the Inguruwa area of Adiagala cut short ‘Deegha’s journey. This magnificent elephant was a living link in the lineage of great elephants like Revatha, Bharana, and Walagamba, who once roamed the Kala Wewa. Sadly, like his predecessors, ‘Deegha 1’ faced a similar fate. All three elephants—Revatha, Bharana, and Walagamba—met their end due to entanglement in illegal power lines.
Over the years, hundreds of elephants have been killed by such illegal power lines. Yet, human activities that set up these dangerous traps remain unchecked, and no relevant laws have been enacted to address this issue.
Failure to enact legislation for the protection of the last generation
A new report titled “Action Plan to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka” was presented to Parliament on December 13, 2023. The proposal, submitted under the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development, recommends increasing the fine for individuals convicted of killing a wild elephant by shooting, using exploding firecrackers, or illegally setting electric wires. Currently, the fine is set at Rs. 500,000, but the proposal suggests that this amount should be raised. Additionally, it calls for amendments to the sections of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance to facilitate this increase.
Additionally, the lack of legal authority for the Department of Wildlife to address the unauthorized installation of electric wires for wild animals presents a significant issue. The Department of Wildlife enforces laws in protected and residual forest areas where wild animals reside. Therefore, existing laws should be amended to empower the Department to take action against unauthorized electric wires. However, relevant proposals on this matter have not received adequate attention, which may explain the current focus of the authorities on wild elephants.
The number of elephants that are killed by illegal power lines every year
In 2010, 17 wild elephants died due to illegal power lines. The number increased to 18 in 2011 and rose to 22 in 2012. In 2013, 27 wild elephant deaths were reported from illegal power lines; in 2014, there were 12. The death toll continued with 17 elephants in 2015, 26 in 2016, 24 in 2017, and 38 in 2018.
Despite this alarming trend, illegal electric fences continue to be erected, posing a serious threat to elephants’ lives. These illegal structures increasingly jeopardize the safety of elephants roaming freely. The number of wild elephants dying after colliding with electric fences near villages or agricultural lands also rises daily.
Environmentalists believe that killing, injuring, or harming elephants using electricity is a serious offence under Sections 12 and 20 of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance. Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella emphasises that, according to subsection 20 (1)(a) of this Act, it is prohibited and constitutes a serious crime to use electric wire to kill, injure, or capture elephants. Additionally, he notes that this action is also an offence under the Electricity Act.
Currently, no provisions exist to control, regulate, or set standards and criteria for electric fences in this country. Additionally, no such provisions have been included in any existing legislation. Therefore, the primary weakness in this area is the failure to address the issues related to legal implementation. In light of this, environmentalists recommend an amendment to the current Act governing the electricity sector to encompass all legally constructed electric fences. This amendment could create the opportunity to control, regulate, and establish standards and criteria for electric fences, addressing a timely need.
If action is not taken, many more elephants may face a future fate similar to that of Revatha, Barana, and Deegha. Elephants have one of the longest gestation periods of any animal in the world. Environmentalists emphasise that it is the responsibility of authorities to implement laws to protect this generation urgently.
