The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Hon. Presiding Member, I thank Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna for bringing this important Adjournment Motion on the human-elephant conflict.

¶ 02 In today’s economic crisis, rebuilding the economy depends on domestic production. Much land lies fallow or as forests; while conserving wildlife is necessary, we must also increase production and exports.

¶ 03 Ampara District is famed for agriculture, contributing over 20% of paddy and other produce. When forests are cleared to resettle people from other districts in Padiyathalawa, Maha Oya, Damana etc., elephants move towards coastal DS divisions like Kalmunai, Maruthamunai, Karaitivu, Nintavur, Addalaichenai, Oluvil, Akkaraipattu, Thirukkovil and Pottuvil, causing losses to lives, crops and property. Some even believe animals are being brought in from elsewhere, given the scale of conflict.

¶ 04 Government has taken measures, appointing officers to drive elephants away. But many seem suited only to air-conditioned rooms; some arrive drunk at night operations. People have risked their lives to protect communities. The Government must take appropriate measures to protect crops and agricultural production. In Nintavur, farmers pay Rs. 1,000 per acre per season to hire guards; in some places, they have spent as much as Rs. 10 million of their own funds, including erecting fences through organizations. Despite officers, no benefit accrues. Two Ministers are here; kindly take this matter seriously and act. Thank you.