Sri Lanka expert committee investigates death of tusker Kawanthissa

An expert committee appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held its first meeting to investigate the death of the Sri Lankan tusker Kawanthissa. The elephant died around October 16, 2026, in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the cause of death, the nature of the injuries sustained, and the role of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Beyond the specific investigation, the committee is tasked with creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for wild elephant welfare and recommending a national elephant conservation programme.

Proposed measures include establishing a Rapid Response Veterinary Unit to provide immediate field assistance to wild elephants. The committee, which includes academics, wildlife experts, and legal professionals, intends to consult both local and international experts to develop these conservation strategies.