The Wildlife conservation department has stated that the prolonged, unplanned expansion of the Hambantota development project has left elephants no other alternative but to leave the area causing augmented conflicts with human settlements.
Officials from the wildlife department stated that most recently two elephants had caused harm to several houses in the Weeraketiya region on August 23, illustrating the unfortunate repetitiveness of the human-elephant conflict that is plaguing the country.
Reports confirm that the two elephants journeyed to Weeraketiya from the Sooriyawewa area following increased human interaction in the region. Officials state however that by August 25, the two elephants had traveled to the Walasmulla hills causing harm to natives along the way.
Residents of the area have voiced their distress towards the Wildlife department requesting the immediate capture of the rogue elephants.
