A Skills Development Officer attached to the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat, who is suspected to have shot at the tusker ‘Kawanthissa’, has been arrested by the Walana Anti-Vice Unit and Wildlife Department officers.

Police said the suspect was arrested along with two locally-made firearms and 24 rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was arrested during a special joint operation conducted by officers of the Walana Central Anti-Vice Strike Force and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

A 12-bore firearm, a 'cap gun' (muzzle-loading firearm), and 24 rounds of ammunition were seized from his residence.

The police further stated that there are reports indicating the individual had previously shot an elephant known as "Diana."

Relevant authorities are currently conducting further investigations into the arrested suspect, and he is set to be produced before the court.

The Ministry of Environment stated that various agencies will continue to conduct joint operations to strictly enforce the law against such illegal activities that destroy wildlife resources and national heritage.

'Kawanthissa', who was considered to be Sri Lanka’s largest and tallest living tusker, was recently found with a gunshot wound on the right foreleg, prompting urgent veterinary treatment.

However, the died on October 16 while receiving treatment for the gunshot wound at a paddy field in Galgamuwa.

Concerns regarding the health of this elephant—which inhabited the Galgamuwa region—had been raised for some time.

Treatment had commenced recently for a wound on its front right leg, believed to have been caused by a gunshot.

Although the wound on the leg had healed to some extent, it was observed that the elephant had been exhibiting other signs of illness, including a refusal to eat over the past few days.

The death of the much-loved tusker had caused an outpour of concern over the safety of Sri Lanka's wild tuskers and elephants.