The ‘Hasthi Sena’ operation, a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting elephant lives and reducing human-elephant conflict, was launched today (02) in the Galkiriyagama area of the North Western Wildlife Region.
The operation is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the three armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The initiative is designed as a scientific and systematic programme to minimise threats to the lives of wild elephants.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi stated that the operation had initially been launched focusing on 17 elephants identified as being at risk.
The programme is expected to cover approximately 80% of the areas inhabited by elephants, while plans are also underway to address the remaining 20% through a separate initiative, the Minister added.
As part of the operation, continuous raids and legal action will be carried out against illegal firearms, hakka patas (explosive devices used to harm elephants), unauthorised electric fences and snares that pose threats to elephant lives.
The launch event was attended by North Western Province Wildlife Director Pushpantha Wimaladasa, Ministry of Environment Adviser Ravindra Kariyawasam and several military officers.
Among those present were Major General Kaminda Silva of the 21st Division, Commander of the 212 Brigade Brigadier Basnayake and Lieutenant Colonel Abeywickrama.
A team comprising 60 military personnel contributed to the operation, which also involves 10 operational teams functioning under six groups.
The nationwide operation will be carried out under the direct supervision of Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne.
The ‘Hasthi Sena’ initiative is expected to continue through coordinated efforts involving relevant government institutions and security forces, with a focus on scientific and systematic measures to protect elephants and minimise human-elephant conflict.
