SLPP-affiliate among two remanded over Kavanthissa shooting as President orders inquiry

Two suspects, including an SLPP-affiliated cooperative society director, have been remanded over the shooting of tusker Kavanthissa, while President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate the animal’s death and recommend measures to protect wild elephants.

Mahawa Magistrate Anuradha Seneviratne remanded R.M. Shantha Dharmasiri Ratnayake and R.M. Lakmal Padmakumara until 28 October when they were produced before court on 19 October. Ratnayake is a director of the Galgamuwa Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society.

Police said the arrests followed investigations by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit and wildlife officers in and around Galgamuwa.

Investigators said a licensed, foreign-manufactured 12-bore firearm, a locally made firearm and 24 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Ratnayake’s possession. Police also alleged that he held ammunition exceeding the quantity permitted under his licence.

Officers from the Galgamuwa Wildlife Range Office opposed bail, citing public concern over the tusker’s death.

Defence lawyer Udaya Rajapaksha argued that investigators had presented no direct evidence linking the suspects to the shooting. He said the men were farmers engaged in lawful agricultural activities and requested their release on bail.

The magistrate criticised the presentation of the investigation and said sufficient grounds to refuse bail had not been established. However, he ordered the suspects remanded in view of the public attention surrounding the case and directed wildlife officers to present further facts on 28 October.

The presidential committee investigating Kavanthissa’s death will be chaired by former ministry secretary A.H. Sarath Wijesinghe. It will also recommend a national programme for elephant conservation.

Its members are Prof. T. Saminda Fernando, Prof. A.G. Anil Pushpakumara, Prof. U.K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and attorney-at-law Charaka Jayaratne. Additional Secretary to the President W.W. Harrison will coordinate its work.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, addressing the Presidential Environmental Awards ceremony on 19 October, pledged strict enforcement of environmental laws against those responsible for wildlife crimes.

She said Kavanthissa’s death had caused widespread grief. Despite the efforts of veterinary teams, the animal could not be saved because of the severity of its gunshot injuries and the resulting infection.

The Prime Minister said the Environment Ministry planned to establish a new animal hospital in 2027 and was working to introduce a mobile veterinary service. Existing animal hospitals also needed improvement, while veterinarians required further training to meet the demands of wildlife care.

Discussions had begun with the University Grants Commission on expanding veterinary education and developing specialist skills to protect wildlife, she said.

Meanwhile, tusker Agbo has been found safe in the Nachchaduwa area following a joint search involving the armed forces and wildlife authorities.

Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi said the animal had sustained no injuries and was in good health.

The Army, Air Force, Department of Wildlife Conservation and Civil Security Department participated in the search, conducted on the President’s instructions and under the direction of the Defence Secretary. Wildlife officers said they would continue monitoring the tusker.

Patabendi criticised the circulation of unverified claims about wild elephants and well-known tuskers, saying such reports caused public concern and risked demoralising officers working to protect the animals.