Isuru Hewakottage, the Wildlife Veterinary Surgeon attached to the North-Western Wildlife Zone, has reportedly submitted his letter of resignation from his post to the Director-General of Wildlife Conservation.

Hewakottage stated that he made the decision following severe allegations and criticism directed at him on social media over incidents related to the treatment of the recently deceased ‘Kawanthissa’ tusker.

Having joined the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 2016, Dr. Hewakottage served in the Pandulagama area of Anuradhapura until 2018, after which he was transferred to the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Unit.

Since then, he has rendered extensive service in efforts to save wild elephants, tuskers, and other wildlife in the North-Western region.

He is particularly well known for his efforts to rescue sea turtles injured in marine accidents and release them back into the ocean.

Previously, Veterinary Surgeon Hewakottage had faced public criticism after he was unable to save the lives of the tuskers ‘Thekka Raja’ and ‘Bhathiya’, despite providing treatment.

Similarly, allegations were raised that the ‘Kawanthissa’ tusker died due to inadequate care by Hewakottage, who initially treated the animal.

However, reports indicate that all treatments administered to the ‘Kawanthissa’ tusker were carried out in accordance with prescribed medication dosages.

Commenting on the matter, veteran wildlife veterinarian Tharaka Prasad, the former Director of the Wildlife Veterinary Unit of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, stated that wildlife veterinarians cannot administer medication arbitrarily, as treatments must be carried out in accordance with established procedures and recommended dosages.

He further stated that Hewakottage had administered treatment in accordance with these standard procedures.

Hewakottage has stated that, despite his dedicated service, the continuous allegations had severely affected both his official duties and personal life, prompting his decision to step down from his position.

Although he has reportedly announced his resignation from the North-Western Wildlife Veterinary Unit, reports indicate that he has not yet formally submitted his resignation from the Department of Wildlife Conservation as a whole.