The carcass of a wild tusker has been discovered in a forested area near a paddy field adjacent to Kayangollawa Wewa in Kahatagasdigiliya.
Wildlife officers attached to the Kahatagasdigiliya Wildlife Office made the discovery and observed that the tusker's left tusk was missing.
Officials suspect that the tusk may have been removed by an individual, raising concerns over possible illegal poaching. They also believe the tusker may have been dead for some time before its carcass was discovered.
The Kahatagasdigiliya Wildlife Office, Diulwewa Police and the Sri Lanka Army have jointly launched further investigations into the incident.
The tragic discovery comes less than a month after the death of the renowned tusker Kawanthissa, highlighting yet another heartbreaking loss to Sri Lanka's wild elephant population.
The death of another majestic tusker has renewed concerns over the protection and conservation of the country's wild elephants.
