Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Kavanthissa, an elephant that died while receiving treatment for an illness, on October 19.
Two of the suspects were remanded until October 28 after being produced before the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court.
Kavanthissa died recently while receiving treatment for an illness in the Siyambalangamuwa area within the Meegalewa Police Division. Investigations were launched after it was revealed that the elephant had sustained gunshot injuries.
Following the incident, the Minister of Environment lodged complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police, calling for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the elephant’s death and the possibility of an organised conspiracy targeting Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population.
The Walana Central Anti-Corruption Strike Force launched investigations based on information received by Western Province forest officials, following instructions from the Environment Minister.
The first suspect was arrested in the Hunugallewa area of Ambanpola. Police recovered a 12-bore firearm, 24 rounds of ammunition and a stock of dried venison from his possession.
The 56-year-old suspect is a resident of Hunugallewa in the Ehetuwewa area. Investigations have also revealed his alleged involvement in the shooting of another elephant named Diana in the Galgamuwa area about four months ago.
Further investigations in the Ehetuwewa area led to the arrest of five more suspects. Police also seized several weapons and other equipment from their possession.
Two of the six suspects were subsequently remanded until October 28 by the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court.
