‘Hasthi Sena’ operation launched to protect elephants

The island-wide ‘Hasthi Sena’ operation, aimed at protecting elephants and mitigating human-elephant conflict, was launched on Monday (02) in Galkiriyagama in the North-Western Wildlife Region.

The initiative is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the Tri-Forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation as a scientifically planned programme to reduce threats to elephant populations and minimise human-elephant conflict.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi said the operation had initially focused on 17 elephants identified as being at risk.

He said the programme was expected to cover about 80% of areas inhabited by elephants, while a separate programme would address the remaining 20%.

The operation will also involve continuous raids and legal action against illegal firearms, ‘hakka patas’, unauthorised electric fences and snares that pose threats to elephants.

A contingent of 60 military personnel will support the initiative, with 10 operational teams functioning under six groups. The island-wide operation will be conducted under the direct supervision of Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne.

North-Western Province Wildlife Director Pushpantha Wimaladasa, Ministry of Environment Adviser Ravindra Kariyawasam and several representatives of the Tri-Forces attended the launch.

Among the military officials present were Major General Kaminda Silva of the 21st Division, 212th Brigade Commander Brigadier Basnayake and Lieutenant Colonel Abeywickrama.

The operation is expected to continue through coordinated measures involving relevant government institutions and security forces to safeguard elephant populations and reduce human-elephant conflict.