The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) has proposed engaging the Tri-Services in a coordinated national effort to strengthen the protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants and mitigate human-elephant conflict.

The initiative was discussed at a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, chaired by Environment Minister Dr Dhammika Patabendi. The proposed approach aims to strengthen existing wildlife conservation efforts through improved coordination, operational support and timely responses to threats facing elephants in vulnerable areas, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

A dedicated Operations Centre at Army Headquarters is proposed to coordinate activities among the Tri-Services, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, veterinary specialists and other relevant agencies.

The proposed measures include preventing elephant killings and other wildlife-related crimes, strengthening surveillance and information sharing, and supporting joint operations in areas affected by human-elephant conflict. Specialised training for military personnel and closer cooperation with wildlife officers are also expected to form part of the initiative.

The Defence Ministry said the recent discovery of the wild tusker Agbo in the Tirappane jungle was highlighted as an example of collaboration between the Tri-Services and wildlife authorities.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, the Army Commander, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, senior Tri-Services officers, government officials and other relevant stakeholders also participated in the meeting.