In brief
On Nov. 2, Sri Lanka announced a joint operation called Hashti Sena to protect elephants and reduce human‑elephant conflict. The first phase focuses on 17 vulnerable elephants in the North‑Western Wildlife Region and will cover most elephant areas, while authorities target illegal firearms, explosive bait known as “hakka patas,” unauthorized electric fences and snares.
Sri Lanka has launched an island‑wide operation to protect elephants and cut human‑elephant conflict, the Ministry of Environment announced on Monday.
The program, called Hashti Sena, is being carried out in the North‑Western Wildlife Region with the Ministry of Environment, the armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the initial phase would focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk.
"The initial phase would focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk," Dammika Patabendi said.
He added that the program is expected to cover about 80 percent of areas inhabited by elephants, with the remaining 20 percent to be addressed under a separate initiative.
Authorities will also conduct raids and take legal action against those using illegal firearms, explosive bait known as hakka patas, unauthorized electric fences and snares that threaten elephants.
The operation aims to create safer habitats for the island’s elephants while reducing the risk of conflict between wildlife and local communities.