Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has called for collective action and national unity to prevent further devastation and destruction of Sri Lanka's wildlife, following the death of yet another tusker.

Describing the incident as a “horrific sight”, Premadasa, in a statement posted on X, stressed the urgent need for prompt and drastic action to address the continuing destruction of the country's elephant population.

“Let us unite to prevent this devastation and destruction,” he urged, calling on all stakeholders to join hands to protect wildlife and bring those responsible to justice.

He further demanded that the culprits, whom he described as “environmental terrorists”, be brought before the law and given the severest possible punishment.

Premadasa emphasised the urgency of collective efforts to prevent further wildlife destruction and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Earlier today, the carcass of a wild tusker was 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.