Opposition Leader calls for comprehensive protection programme for tuskers
By The Pulseline News Desk
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today raised concerns in Parliament over the disappearance of Mahasen, believed to be the elephant with the largest tusks in Sri Lanka, and urged the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the country’s tuskers.
Premadasa has said Mahasen, which had been roaming the Maradankadawala area, was known to move between several locations, including Ritigala, Kantale, Kaudulla, Minneriya and Somawathiya.
Expressing concern over the elephant’s disappearance, the Opposition Leader has highlighted its significance as one of the country’s most remarkable tuskers, noting that Mahasen was believed to have larger tusks than the late tusker Kawanthissa.
He has called on the Government to introduce a comprehensive programme to protect tuskers across the country, stressing the need for a coordinated approach involving relevant security and wildlife protection agencies.
Premadasa has proposed that the Civil Defence Force, the Special Task Force (STF) and the armed forces be involved in such an initiative to strengthen efforts to safeguard these elephants.
The disappearance of Mahasen has renewed attention on the need to protect Sri Lanka’s tuskers, which are particularly significant because of their rarity and the conservation challenges associated with safeguarding them.
The Opposition Leader’s appeal places the responsibility on the Government to coordinate the relevant agencies and strengthen measures to ensure the safety of these animals.
However, further details regarding Mahasen’s last known sighting and the circumstances surrounding its disappearance were not provided in the statement.
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