Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi has announced that an independent investigation will be conducted into the death of iconic tusker ‘Kawanthissa’.

The Minister made the announcement while speaking to the media following an event held in the Kilinochchi area.

Minister Patabendi said the investigation would examine whether any mistakes had occurred during the treatment of the tusker and whether any deliberate act had been carried out to harm the animal.

“We intend to appoint an independent investigative team to determine whether any mistakes occurred or whether there was any deliberate act to harm the elephant. We believe that every possible effort was made to save its life, with a level of intervention that may not have been provided to any other elephant.”

The Minister stated that the veterinary team had made every possible effort to treat the elephant, while expressing the Ministry of Environment’s regret over its death.

“We regret that we were unable to save the tusker’s life, and as the Ministry of Environment, we express our heartfelt condolences alongside all those who are grieving this loss,” the Minister said.

The Minister further said steps would be taken to improve the procedures followed by veterinary services and the Department of Wildlife Conservation in treating sick animals.

He added that the authorities would also investigate whether the elephant had been harmed deliberately without the authorities’ knowledge and that strict action would be taken if any such wrongdoing were uncovered.