198 Wild Elephants Killed in Past Seven Months

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody says that 198 wild elephants have died over the past seven months due to a range of causes, including shootings, train and vehicle collisions, poaching, poisoning, and natural causes.

He noted that four wild elephants died last Friday alone, two due to a train collision and two from gunshot wounds.

Currently, 13 injured wild elephants are receiving treatment from wildlife officers.

The Deputy Minister added that investigations into the shootings have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department.