Sajith appeals to UK Royal for elephant conservation

On Tuesday, Premadasa met with British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick in Colombo and handed over a letter addressed to the Prince of Wales. 

The letter highlights Sri Lanka’s status as home to one of the largest populations of Asian elephants and urges international collaboration.

Premadasa emphasized that the conflict results in the loss of over 400 elephants and 150 human lives annually. He proposed the establishment of a National Elephant Conservation and Coexistence Initiative (NECCI), a long-term, science-based strategy involving local communities, experts, and international partners.

“Sri Lanka’s elephants are not just our national heritage — they are a treasure of global biodiversity,” Premadasa stated. “With His Royal Highness’s leadership and conservation network, we can build a sustainable future for both wildlife and our communities.”

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick welcomed the move, calling the initiative “timely and necessary,” and affirmed the UK’s ongoing support for global biodiversity protection.

The letter will be forwarded to Prince William’s office through the British High Commission in Colombo.