Security Forces (East) Conducts Operation to Prevent Damage from Wild Elephants

Under the guidance of Major General P.R Pathiravithana USAWC psc, Commander, Security Forces (East), and Brigadier W.S.R Kumara USP Isc, Project Officer of Security Forces (East), an operation was conducted in collaboration with the 12th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (Wildlife Office at Piburaththawa), and Mahaweli Officers to translocate 21 wild elephants from Weeralanda Tank to Maduru Oya National Park on 1st February 2025.

The operation covered the Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat area, including the Galeliya, Warapitiya, Weheragala, and Kajuwaththa GS divisions, encompassing approximately 800 acres of paddy cultivation that had been affected by the elephants. These relocated elephants were safely guided to the national park to mitigate further human-elephant conflict and protect agricultural lands.

Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, government officials, and civilians participated in the operation.