The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, this long-growing conflict remains unresolved. Our Government has taken notable steps within the past one and a half years, as the Environment Minister outlined. At the national level, measures are being taken.

¶ 02 In Matale District, we have coordinated all wildlife offices and formed a district committee to act. Recently, in Moragahulpotha, Wilgamuwa DS, a father and daughter died from an attack. Despite various measures, without proper sustainable planning, the conflict has intensified.

¶ 03 Issues include fencing and lack of power to electric fences. Planned towns like Laggala were developed within fenced areas; isolated forest patches remain, where elephants, some for generations, live. Many such lands, including abandoned commercial allotments near Laggala, have reverted to dense forests that now harbour elephants. While Wasgamuwa elephants may have food and water, elephants from isolated forests cause most damage.

¶ 04 Immediately after the tragedy, we sought short-term measures; a rogue elephant known locally as “Hoda Kota” was identified. The Minister decided to remove it from the area if possible. This conflict is now spread across Matale beyond a few villages. The Government is taking step-by-step measures to find sustainable solutions. Thank you.