Manampitiya Nimal Jayartne
A wild elephant trapped in a sluice of the Z-D Canal in the Welikanda area has been rescued after opening the sluice. The elephant fell into the canal while he was trying to drink water yesterday morning (22) and was swept away by the current of the water for about ten kilometers. Villagers found him after getting stuck in a sluice, the authorities worked to save the life of the elephant by opening the sluice and releasing the water into the Kasan Lake nearly after six hours.
The Mahaweli Authority officials, Welikanda wildlife officials, and villagers collectively contributed the rescue operation and the elephant was freed and driven to Kasanwewa reserve.
This wild elephant, which is about 35 years old, was looking for water to drink from Welikanda Malinda area, Z.D. has fallen into the stream.
After informing the Mahaweli officials about it, the irrigation officials came and opened the sluice. The wildlife officials were then able to release the elephant into the Kasanwewa reserve.
