Spike in jumbo deaths: 21 dead in recent days

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said that 21 wild elephants have been shot dead in recent days, leading to a special government investigation into the disturbing rise in elephant deaths.

Speaking at a press briefing in Polonnaruwa, Jayakody acknowledged a sharp increase in reports of elephant fatalities across the country.

Public outrage has been further fuelled by the recent shooting of the iconic tusker ‘Bhathiya’.

Wildlife officials on Tuesday reported that four wild elephants were recently found dead with gunshot wounds in the Digampathaha and Galgamuwa areas.