Sri Lanka explores AI-based early warning system to reduce human-elephant conflict

Sri Lanka is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to establish an early warning system aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict, following preliminary discussions and a field inspection in Galgamuwa on Friday.

Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and representatives of Huawei took part in the visit.

Chinese officials and Huawei representatives said similar early warning systems had been successfully used in parts of China affected by human-elephant conflict.

The proposed system would use AI-powered cameras capable of identifying elephants based on their body size and movement patterns.

Authorities said the technology could detect elephants before they enter villages and alert residents through warning signals and messages.

The field inspection focused on Sri Lanka’s terrain, elephant movement patterns, routes used by elephants to enter villages and suitable locations for installing camera systems.

The aim is to assess whether technology and experience used in China can be adapted to Sri Lanka’s environmental and geographical conditions.