A wildlife ranger has pledged to fight for the protection of Sri Lanka’s elephants and ensure that those responsible for their deaths face legal consequences, following the fatal shooting of tusker Kawanthissa.
Attorney-at-Law Chathura Gunaratne, a wildlife ranger in Kurunegala, vowed to take action against those involved in elephant killings, declaring his commitment to protecting the rights of elephants and securing the survival of future generations of the country’s elephant population.
In a statement issued on the day Kawanthissa died, Gunaratne called for decisive action against individuals who shoot elephants, use illegal firearms and set explosive traps known as “Hakka patas”. He also stressed that stronger enforcement was needed to prevent further killings in areas such as Galgamuwa and Meegalewa.
Acting on specific information received by Gunaratne, wildlife officials and police launched a joint operation yesterday (18), resulting in the arrest of two suspects over the alleged shooting of Kawanthissa.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Western Province Wildlife Ranger Wasantha Gunawardena, with officers from the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit joining the investigation.
One of the suspects, a 56-year-old Skills Development Officer attached to the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat, was found in possession of a 12-bore firearm, a cap-lock firearm and 24 rounds of ammunition, which were taken into police custody.
Police also suspect that the individual may have been involved in the shooting death of a female elephant named Diana approximately four months ago.
The two suspects, residents of the Hunugallewa area in Ehetuwewa, were scheduled to appear before the Maho Magistrate’s Court today.
Investigations are continuing, with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit and the police working to establish the circumstances surrounding Kawanthissa’s death.
Gunaratne’s pledge has brought renewed attention to the need to strengthen wildlife protection and enforcement measures to ensure a safer future for Sri Lanka’s elephants.
