K.W. Indika Kumara, an animal control officer attached to the Yala Forest Office, was attacked by a wild elephant during an operation to drive away the intruding elephant from the Yala Reserve. The wild elephant had entered Kirinda Daladagama village in broad daylight, causing concern among the villagers.
Upon receiving information from the villagers about the elephant invasion yesterday (04), a team of officials from the Yala Forest Conservation Office conducted an operation to chase away the wild elephant. Unfortunately, during the operation around 2:30 PM, the officer, Indika Kumara, was attacked by the elephant.
Both wildlife officers and villagers promptly rescued the injured officer and admitted him to Kirinda Hospital for initial treatment. Later, he was transferred to Hambantota General Hospital for further medical attention. Hospital sources reported that the officer suffered three broken ribs due to the elephant attack.
Following the incident, the Yala Wildlife Office and Kirinda Police Station collaborated to conduct an operation that successfully drove the elephant back to the Yala Reserve after a few hours.
