Premadasa calls for task force to protect tuskers

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday called for the establishment of a special task force to protect Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers, together with a dedicated wildlife hospital and a rapid-response mechanism to treat injured elephants.

Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said stronger wildlife protection and emergency treatment systems were needed to prevent further losses of the country’s iconic tuskers following the death of Kavanthissa.

He proposed that the task force include experienced wildlife officers, including Chathura Gunaratne and the investigation team led by ASP Rohan Olugala, who were involved in an arrest connected to the Kavanthissa incident.

Their expertise should be used to strengthen efforts to protect endangered elephants and combat crimes against them, he said.

Premadasa also proposed establishing a dedicated wildlife hospital equipped to treat seriously injured wild animals, particularly elephants requiring specialised medical care. Modern diagnostic equipment, mobile laboratories, emergency treatment units and a rapid-response system should be provided, he said.

He pledged the Opposition’s support for securing foreign funding and other resources for such facilities and proposed bringing in foreign veterinary specialists for complex cases. He also called for greater cooperation between wildlife authorities, universities and other relevant institutions.

Noting shortages of wildlife veterinarians and other trained personnel, Premadasa urged the Government to strengthen staffing and medical facilities at the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

He further proposed that environmental organisations and civil society representatives be included in the expert committee appointed to investigate Kavanthissa’s death, saying their participation would enhance transparency and accountability.

The deaths of Kavanthissa, Bhathiya and Thekka Raja should be used to improve treatment protocols and emergency response systems, he said.

Protecting Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers required practical reforms, stronger veterinary capacity and coordinated action, rather than responding only after an elephant had died, Premadasa said.