Tusks seized from suspect connected to dismembering elephant inside Yala

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested another suspect connected to killing and dismembering a wild elephant inside the Yala National Park Block 03 on Wednesday (18).

The suspect was arrested in Dambe, Kataragama by officers connected to the Tangalle Division Crime Prevention Bureau.

02 elephant tusks, each 03 feet in length, an elephant's tail, and a weapon were seized from the possession of the suspect.

Police investigations are underway to locate other suspects connected to the crime.

On Monday (16), the Director-General of the Department of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara speaking to News 1st said three separate investigations are taking place with respect to the incident.

"The Department is conducting one investigation and Sri Lanka Police is conducting a separate investigation. In addition, a joint investigation is also taking place,' he said.

Investigations have revealed that the wild elephant was shot dead and then dismembered.

In addition that the elephants growing tusks were also taken away from, the investigations revealed.

Over the years, Sri Lanka's wild elephant population has seen a gradual decline due to the Human-Elephant conflict.

According to reports, there are approximately 4,000 to 5,000 wild elephants in the country and 1% of them are tuskers, as authorities claim it has become a challenge to protect the tuskers due to inhumane acts by poachers.