A special committee has been formed to address the growing concern of wild elephant accidents involving trains, following the tragic incident where six wild elephants were killed near the 141st milepost between Galoya and Hingurakgoda.
The committee, which includes high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Transport, Environment, Digital, Railways, and the Department of Wildlife, as well as representatives from environmental and wildlife conservation organizations, met at the Parliament complex to discuss potential solutions.
One of the key measures being implemented is the clearing of railway tracks on both sides to enhance visibility in areas prone to such accidents. Additionally, the committee has decided to install advanced lighting systems on trains, with white lights to replace yellow ones, and forward-facing lights to improve visibility at night.
The involvement of community-based groups is also seen as a critical step in addressing the issue.
Minister Bimal Ratnayake, along with other committee members, participated in the discussions and emphasized the importance of immediate action. The second phase of the committee's efforts will include a visit to the site of the recent accident to conduct a thorough inspection and gather further information.
The committee’s ongoing work aims to reduce the risk of similar accidents and protect wildlife in these vulnerable areas.
