Wildlife officials were able to capture a rogue wild elephant which was posing a threat to the residents of the Hambegamuwa settlement area.

Locals said the wild elephant had caused severe damage to the lives of many in the area.

The wild elephant, known among locals as Niyapoththa has terrorised the villages of Hambegamuwa, Aluthwewa, Balaharewa, Rathambalagama and Meegaswewa.

A group of wildlife officials, including the Wild Life Veterinarian W.A. Dharmakeerthi, launched an operation to capture the elephant which took nearly a week and a half. According to our correspondent the elephant was captured in Hambegamuwa on Monday evening.

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