News1st correspondent Mahinda Pushpakumara who attempted to report on a story of an elephant calf being kidnapped from the Udawalawe Wildlife Sanctuary has been assaulted.

Director General of Wildlife H.D. Ratnayake said that an attempted elephant kidnapping was foiled. H.D. Ratnayake said that they received reports of an alleged kidnapping of an elephant calf from the Pallebedda Galpaya area of the sanctuary on Thursday.

He added that rope and a tractor was in place for the operation. However, when wildlife officials had arrived at the location following the tip-off, the group had fled the scene. H.D. Ratnayake said that a shooting was also reported.

Meanwhile our Provincial Correspondent Mahinda Pushpakumara arrived at the scene to cover the story.

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