Authorities at the Anuradhapura Wildlife Sanctuary have launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing a man burning a wild elephant in the Ambagahawala area of Seeppukulam, Mihintale.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said details of the elephant’s death will be reported to court today (17). The suspect has not yet been arrested. Anuradhapura Wildlife Sanctuary officers, together with the Army Intelligence Service, are conducting further investigations to apprehend the individual responsible.
The male elephant, aged 17, had previously been treated for a gunshot wound to its front left leg by officers of the Pandulagama Veterinary Office on 14 May, 4 June, and 3 July 2025. The elephant, measuring 50–55 cm in width and approximately 9 feet tall, had been continuously monitored by wildlife officers since then.
The elephant was found yesterday (16) lying on land in Ambagahawala with burn and gunshot injuries. Veterinary officers, including Ms. Udeshika Madhuwanthi, arrived to provide treatment, but the animal did not survive.
The DWC has urged the public to assist in identifying the perpetrator and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
