The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 [6.29 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank the Hon. Member for moving this Adjournment Motion. On the night of the 19th—early hours of the 20th—near the 140–141 km posts between Minneriya and Gal Oya, seven elephants were hit by the “New” train and died. This shook all of us. It should never have happened.

¶ 03 There is a history of such incidents. We must prevent them. As Government—especially the Ministries of Environment and of Transport & Highways, and the Department of Railways—we intend to act.

¶ 04 Immediately after the incident, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake convened all stakeholders here at 4.00 p.m. yesterday to discuss measures. The Environment Ministry Secretary and officials of relevant agencies, the Deputy Director General of Environment, environmental experts, as well as NPP MPs representing Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, were present. We also called officials from the Ministry of Science & Technology and from the Digital Economy Ministry to expedite action. We took several decisions.

¶ 05 An Opposition Member alleged no funds were allocated in the Budget. On page 38, item 29, “Minimizing human–elephant conflict and wildlife conservation,” it is stated that Rs. 300 million is already allocated for these efforts. Under the umbrella of human–elephant conflict, elephant–train collisions are included; that allocation covers this as well. In addition, Rs. 100 million has been set aside to upgrade capacity at 270 Wildlife Conservation Department offices. Altogether, around Rs. 640 million has been provided for this set of activities. Therefore, do not be misled by contrary claims.

¶ 06 We identified main contributing factors: bends where elephants are not visible; elephants near the track getting startled and moving onto it as trains approach; thick shrubs like mana and illuk along the track obscuring visibility. We discussed immediate steps: urgently clear both sides of the track, and rapidly detect any elephants near the line. Tomorrow, railway and wildlife officers will jointly inspect the area and determine short-term measures tailored to the location.

¶ 07 We have identified about 104 km of high-risk zones where most accidents occur, largely between 10.00 p.m. and 4.00 a.m., during which four trains operate. We discussed how to work with these trains to mitigate risk.

¶ 08 Past governments sought answers but did not sustain them; actions fizzled after a week or two. We, yesterday, planned how to maintain short-term remedies over time and to embed long-term interventions. We will actively involve local MPs and communities: within two days, map the relevant GN Divisions along the 104 km, discuss with residents, and mobilize measures. We will engage conservation organizations as well.

¶ 09 As a long-term step, we will install sensors—at stations, integrated with trains, and along the track—to alert drivers of elephant presence, and develop methods to safely deter elephants when trains approach. It was noted such methods were previously attempted but ignored by authorities then; we will revive and institutionalize them. Under the Environment Secretary’s lead, with Railways, Wildlife Conservation, and Digital Economy officials, we have appointed a special committee to fast-track these technology-driven solutions.

¶ 10 This incident shook us all. Our hope is that it will be the last. We thank Hon. Bimal Rathnayake for swift action and the environmentalists and officials for their prompt support. Under our Government, we have already begun short- and long-term measures to end elephant deaths by trains. We ask the public, environmentalists, and all concerned with elephant conservation to join hands with us. We will also consider the Member’s point about deterrent “shots” where appropriate within legal and humane frameworks. We will act with maximum commitment to protect elephants, a national treasure, and prevent such accidents. I conclude. Thank you.

¶ 11 It being past 6.30 p.m., the Hon. Presiding Member adjourned Parliament without Question put.

¶ 12 Parliament adjourned accordingly at 6.42 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025, pursuant to the Resolution of Parliament of 06th February, 2025.