Hingukgoda Magistrate N.D. Karunaratne issued the order to Minneriya Wildlife Office Site Assistant A.B.C. Kularatne. The court also requested a report detailing the progress of investigations into the shooting and killing of the elephant.
Three residents from Diyabeduma, Ihanaluwewa, Polonnaruwa, and one resident from Yativimana in Matale have been released on bail in connection with the case.
Senior lawyer Vijitha Wickramanayake, representing the interests of the unicorn elephant, told the court that the animal, famously known as the “Dollar Machine,” attracted a large number of foreign tourists to Minneriya National Park.
The elephant that was killed was reportedly 40 years old and stood 10 feet 6 inches tall.
