The Faculty of Engineering at Peradeniya University has developed an innovative device designed to prevent train-elephant collisions, a growing concern in Sri Lanka. The new AI-powered technology aims to protect the lives of elephants after a recent incident in which six elephants were tragically killed by trains.
Professor Lilantha Samaranayake, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, confirmed that the device has undergone successful testing, proving its ability to detect wild elephants on the tracks. The device can alert train drivers about the presence of an elephant up to 500 meters away, providing ample time to take necessary precautions.
The groundbreaking device has already received approval from both the Railway and Wildlife Departments. According to the Railway Department, they have requested four units of the device to be deployed for trial use.
This development marks a significant step towards minimizing human-animal conflicts and protecting the country’s elephant population.
