Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi

¶ 01 Hon. Member, in the Kahalla-Pallekelle area there were significant land issues, which we have addressed. We have now identified specific lands along elephant movement paths that can be freed for them. We plan to establish fodder belts—grasses and other feed—within those lands, and to provide water by rehabilitating tanks and water sources. We have identified elephant corridors for their movement and plan to keep them open.

¶ 02 Additionally, we have completed about 443 km of electric fencing there. We intend to further deploy Civil Security soldiers and officers. We will also continue programmes to enhance water sources, repairs, create new grasslands, maintain existing grasslands, and remove invasive species in elephant habitats. With these measures, we believe we can reduce the conflict further. We are not limiting ourselves to these; we will consider field proposals and continue sustained interventions.