The initiative, named “Hasthi Sena,” began in the North-Western Wildlife Region and is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Xinhua reports.
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Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the initial phase of the operation would focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk.
According to the minister, the program is expected to cover approximately 80% of areas inhabited by elephants, while the remaining 20% will be addressed through a separate initiative.
As part of the operation, authorities will conduct raids and take legal action against individuals using illegal firearms, explosive bait known as “hakka patas,” unauthorized electric fences and snares that pose threats to elephants.
The operation brings together environmental authorities, wildlife conservation officials and the armed forces in a coordinated effort to protect elephants and address human-elephant conflict across Sri Lanka.
