Sri Lanka to deploy military units to protect wild elephants
- Government approves joint operation involving 3 armed forces, wildlife conservation officials to protect elephants, tuskers from illegal activities, other threats
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- Government approves joint operation involving 3 armed forces, wildlife conservation officials to protect elephants, tuskers from illegal activities, other threats
By Aamir Latif
ISLAMABAD (AA) - Sri Lanka has decided to deploy military units to protect wild elephants and tuskers, local media reported Saturday.
The government approved a special joint operation involving the country's three armed forces and the wildlife conservation department to protect wild elephants and tuskers while addressing human-elephant conflict, according to local news site News Wire.
The initiative was discussed at a meeting earlier this week chaired by Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi and attended by army commander Lt. Gen. K. V. Nilantha P. Premaratne, wildlife officials and drone operations representatives.
Under the program, a special operations center will be established at army headquarters to coordinate elephant protection activities.
Authorities also decided to introduce special security arrangements for identified tuskers roaming high-risk areas.
The military will deploy dedicated units to monitor their movements and provide protection in vulnerable locations, particularly where elephants face threats from illegal activities.
The program will also focus on preventing elephant killings, the use of explosive bait locally known as "hakka patas," and other wildlife crimes.
The wildlife department will train designated military personnel to handle wild animals and conduct field operations.
The Environment Ministry said the joint program would be implemented on the ground "as soon as possible."
Amir Latif Arain