WALSAPUGALA PROTEST DEMANDS ELEPHANT RESERVE GAZETTE

by Staff Writer 18-01-2021 | 7:04 PM

Colombo (News 1st); The Human-Elephant conflict resulted in the deaths of 04 people and 10 elephants in 2020 in the Hambantota and Sooriyawewa Divisional Secretariats alone, said Wildlife Officers.

On Monday (18) locals from Walsapugala, Hambantota decided to take to the streets demanding the Proposed Wild Elephant Management Reserve in Hambantota, be included in the government gazette.

The Walsapugala village in Hambantota is a village in the frontlines of the Human-Elephant conflict, and for many years the people in this village have been living in fear for their lives.

As their pleas to solve the issue went unheard, they decided to take matters into their own hands solely to protect the environment.

This strong movement is supported by 86 agrarian associations in the area.

The protest took place in compliance with the quarantine regulations amidst the blessings of the Maha Sangha.

Interestingly, those who were to stage a Sathyagraha Campaign had their temperature checked before taking part.