LNP – 150 elephants trapped, starving in Oyamaduwa: Veterinary Association

Around 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, are reportedly trapped and starving in the Oyamaduwa area following a failed attempt to relocate them from regions such as Sravastipura, Thambuttegama, Vilachchiya, Moragoda and Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district to Wilpattu National Park.Â

This was revealed by the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations.

Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the association’s board, said that the elephants have been confined without food at the Oyamaduwa National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) farm for over a week. Â

Many elephants are refusing to leave the area, remaining stuck within the NLDB farm premises. Their confinement prevents them from accessing food at night or following natural migration routes. Â

Dr. Nanayakkara urged authorities to allow the elephants to leave the farm and resume their natural migration to manage the situation. Â

“If the elephants are driven to Wilpattu, the available food may not be sufficient for such a large herd, potentially leading to fatalities. The use of firecrackers to drive them away is harmful – it can deafen or blind elephants and cause injuries. Calves are especially vulnerable and may be killed in the chaos,” he explained. Â

He stressed the need to establish a secretariat under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance to develop a national policy. This should involve collaboration with veterinarians, environmentalists, zoologists and relevant animal welfare organizations. Â

Dr. Nanayakkara called for government oversight of elephant movements and compensation for any property or crop damage during migration. He noted that while local wildlife officers and residents support this approach, senior administrative officials are hesitant to implement it, exacerbating the elephants’ suffering. Â

Efforts to periodically relocate elephants have consistently failed, he added. Â

Dr. Nanayakkara also criticised certain media outlets for sensationalizing the issue and causing public hysteria, while some government officials respond with unnecessary force. Â

A senior official from the Department of Wildlife acknowledged ongoing issues with the relocation but emphasised that efforts are being made to resolve them. Â

“Our ultimate goal is to resettle the elephants in Wilpattu,” she said, dismissing claims that the elephants are in immediate danger. Â

The official confirmed that the Air Force will begin assisting with aerial surveys from Friday to track the elephants’ movements and provide further support.