A wild elephant named Kawanthissa has died after being shot in Sri Lanka. The Environment Ministry has requested a police investigation into his death and called for those responsible to be identified.
The male Asian elephant died on Friday after weeks of treatment for a gunshot injury to his right front leg. Wildlife officers and veterinary teams had worked to save him.
Speaking in Colombo on Monday, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the severe injuries and resulting infections had prevented his recovery.
She said environmental laws must apply equally to everyone, regardless of their wealth, position or connections. She also promised stronger wildlife veterinary care.
The Environment Ministry said it had asked police and the Criminal Investigation Department to examine Kawanthissa’s death. It also requested an investigation into whether organised groups were targeting wild elephants.
His death raises wider questions about protecting elephants in places where they live alongside people. In Sri Lanka, elephants move between forests, farms and villages, where they can face danger outside protected areas.
Amarasuriya said the government was establishing three elephant corridors – routes that allow elephants to move between habitats – as part of its response to conflict between people and elephants.
Elephant Kawanthissa
Kawanthissa lived in the wild around Galgamuwa in northwestern Sri Lanka. He was known for his large size and was believed to be the country’s tallest living tusker (an elephant with tusks).
He was believed to be over 45 years old. In the wild elephants live to be 60 to 70 years old.
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