By Indunil Kahatapitiya
A large-scale operation to drive away wild elephants from populated areas in Hambantota has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, who warn that Sri Lanka may be repeating one of its worst ecological mistakes.
The 21-day operation, led by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) with support from other government agencies, aims to move elephant herds away from villages affected by human–elephant conflict. However, conservationists fear it could amount to a “mass culling under another name.”
Hambantota District National People’s Power (NPP) MP Nihal Galappatti said around 80 wildlife officers are taking part, calling it “one of the largest wildlife management operations in recent years.”
Conservationists Sound Alarm
Environmentalists argue that forcibly driving elephants from their habitats is unscientific, inhumane, and proven to fail.
“This is simply a repetition of a historical mistake,” said environmentalist Supun Lahiru Prakash. “The areas being cleared are already degraded due to deforestation and illegal logging. When elephants lose their habitats, they face starvation — even calves are dying. We’ve seen this tragedy before.”
Habitat Loss and Development Pressure
Hambantota is home to roughly 400 elephants. Experts trace the current conflict to years of habitat fragmentation caused by large-scale development projects launched during the Rajapaksa administration. These projects, they say, pushed elephant herds into farmlands and villages in search of food and water.
In 2009, leading elephant biologist Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando proposed a 23,000-hectare Managed Elephant Reserve to prevent such conflicts by protecting key habitats. Although it was gazetted in 2021, much of the land had already been cleared or encroached upon.
“As their natural habitats vanish, elephants are forced into new areas, creating fresh conflict zones,” said wildlife researcher Sameera Weeratunga. “People here are terrified, but the welfare of elephants must also be respected. With the rains improving forest growth, now is the time to pause and find a more scientific, humane solution.”
Lessons from Past Failures
The current operation has revived memories of the 2006 Lunugamvehera elephant relocation, which ended in tragedy. Dr. Fernando’s research found that confined elephants suffer from overcrowding, lack of food and water, and often die within months. Loud explosions and human aggression during drives also traumatize the animals, making them more violent and worsening conflict.
According to Dr. Fernando’s data, nearly 70% of Sri Lanka’s elephant range overlaps with human settlements, leaving no “empty wilderness” for relocation. “This reality has been repeatedly presented to policymakers,” environmentalists note, “but they keep repeating the same mistakes.”
Government Defends Operation
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody defended the Hambantota operation, saying it is a “localized measure” to remove elephants that have entered villages.
“We understand that long-term solutions are needed,” he said. “The government is implementing habitat enrichment programmes to ensure elephants have enough food in the wild.”
“A Tragedy for Both Sides”
Despite government assurances, conservationists remain skeptical.
“These short-term operations neither protect people nor save elephants,” said one activist. “They only deepen the tragedy for both.”
