News

150 elephants trapped, starving in Oyamaduwa: Veterinary Association

Published

3 weeks ago

January 4, 2025

editor

Around 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, are reportedly trapped and starving in the Oyamaduwa area following a failed attempt to relocate them from regions such as Sravastipura, Thambuttegama, Vilachchiya, Moragoda and Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district to Wilpattu National Park.

This was revealed by the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations.

Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the association’s board, said that the elephants have been confined without food at the Oyamaduwa National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) farm for over a week.

Many elephants are refusing to leave the area, remaining stuck within the NLDB farm premises. Their confinement prevents them from accessing food at night or following natural migration routes.

Dr. Nanayakkara urged authorities to allow the elephants to leave the farm and resume their natural migration to manage the situation.

“If the elephants are driven to Wilpattu, the available food may not be sufficient for such a large herd, potentially leading to fatalities. The use of firecrackers to drive them away is harmful – it can deafen or blind elephants and cause injuries. Calves are especially vulnerable and may be killed in the chaos,” he explained.

He stressed the need to establish a secretariat under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance to develop a national policy. This should involve collaboration with veterinarians, environmentalists, zoologists and relevant animal welfare organizations.

Dr. Nanayakkara called for government oversight of elephant movements and compensation for any property or crop damage during migration. He noted that while local wildlife officers and residents support this approach, senior administrative officials are hesitant to implement it, exacerbating the elephants’ suffering.

Efforts to periodically relocate elephants have consistently failed, he added.

Dr. Nanayakkara also criticised certain media outlets for sensationalizing the issue and causing public hysteria, while some government officials respond with unnecessary force.

A senior official from the Department of Wildlife acknowledged ongoing issues with the relocation but emphasised that efforts are being made to resolve them.

“Our ultimate goal is to resettle the elephants in Wilpattu,” she said, dismissing claims that the elephants are in immediate danger.

The official confirmed that the Air Force will begin assisting with aerial surveys from Friday to track the elephants’ movements and provide further support.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by dailymirror.lk staff)

News

Bird deaths in Beira : NARA to submit report

Published

1 hour ago

January 25, 2025

editor

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has initiated an investigation over the recent spate of bird deaths at Colombo’s Beira Lake and a report is to be submitted within 03 days.

Over the last few days, over 30 carcasses of ducks and geese have been found dead in the vicinity of the lake and residents claim that the deaths were reported after chemicals were added to the lake to reduce its odor.

Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) Chief Veterinary Officer, Mohamed Ijas has confirmed that bird flu has been ruled out but had been unable to verify claims about chemicals being the cause.

News

Awareness programme on e-NIC held

Published

1 hour ago

January 25, 2025

editor

An awareness programme to introduce the process and discuss issues related to the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) was held yesterday (Jan. 24) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Colombo. The event was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

The session aimed to address key challenges and operational aspects of the e-NIC project, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify solutions. The Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and the Chairman of ICTA Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, along with ICTA Director, Sanjaya Karunasena, also participated in the programme, contributing valuable insights to the discussion.

This initiative marks a significant step in streamlining the implementation of e-NICs and ensuring a smooth rollout for citizens, aligning with the President’s vision for a digitally empowered economy.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Air Vice Marshal Vasu to lead SLAF

Published

5 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Currently serving as the SLAF’s Director General of Planning, Edirisinghe brings extensive experience to the role. A native of Kandy and an alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College, he joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in 1991 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993.

Initially trained on the SF 260 Warrior, he transitioned to rotary-wing aircraft due to a shortage of helicopter pilots. After completing training on Bell 206/212/412 helicopters, he was operationally cleared for flying duties and served in utility operations in the North and East of the country.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.