The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at this Adjournment time, I move the following:

¶ 02 “A large number of elephant deaths are reported annually due to collisions with trains, and due to failure to take appropriate measures, the problem is worsening day by day. Especially on railway lines in the North Central, Central, and Eastern Provinces, accidents are reported, and all responsible agencies should focus their attention. Various factors contribute; considering these, all responsible agencies must be brought together to implement urgent solutions.”

¶ 03 I brought this today because of a tragic incident we learnt of yesterday morning: five wild elephants died due to a train collision on the Maradankadawala–Batticaloa line near Galoya. This is not the first such incident; this has continued for years.

¶ 04 Looking at the last 4–5 years: in 2018, nine elephants; 2019, four; 2020, three; 2021, seven; 2022, ten; 2023, twelve; 2024, seven; and already in early 2025, five elephants reported yesterday, with another one in January as well.

¶ 05 Though the Transport Minister has shown some attention, it has not been sufficiently acted upon. Amid human–elephant conflict, this has become a major issue. The elephant is a protected, iconic species contributing to tourism and ecological balance. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has not adequately focused on wildlife management. Studying Galoya shows a primary factor: forests belonging to the Department are close along both sides of the track; these need to be cleared to allow visibility. Despite repeated proposals, attention has not been paid. Therefore, the Railways Department, Forest Department, and Wildlife Department must coordinate and urgently act to stop rising elephant deaths due to trains year on year.

¶ 06 Technology has advanced globally; we can use it to prevent this. Unfortunately, despite much talk, responsible officers have not implemented such technologies. Modern equipment is available globally and here, but no funds or focus have been allocated. Hence deaths rise day by day. Despite 50–60 such deaths in recent years, some senior railway officials are not giving due attention.

¶ 07 This motion is timely. Let Parliament focus on this and ensure these agencies coordinate and intervene methodically to stop elephant deaths due to trains. I so move.