In a recent revelation, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development disclosed that Sri Lanka consistently reports the highest number of elephant deaths each year, primarily stemming from the escalating elephant-human conflict within the country. The committee, presided over by Ajith Mannapperuma, convened on November 24 to address this critical issue.
During the session, a committee, led by Charaka Jayaratne, the convenor of the Environmental Law Section of the Sri Lanka Bar Association, engaged in discussions with Wildlife Department officials. The focus centered on proposals presented to the committee, specifically targeting amendments to the Wildlife and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act.
Key sections pertaining to wild elephants in the Act, including Section 3, Section 6, Section 19, Section 20, and Section 30, were scrutinized for potential amendments. Notably, discussions highlighted the need to revise penalty fees associated with the killing of wild animals. Proposals were set forth to establish a legal framework designating wild elephants as public property, empowering authorities to impose appropriate punishments on offenders.
The committee also addressed the issue of wild elephants frequently succumbing to death due to the presence of illegal high-voltage power lines. Given the absence of a clear interpretation of the Animal and Flora Protection Act on this matter, the committee deliberated on introducing new clauses, encompassing precise interpretations and associated penalties.
In light of these discussions, the committee recommended the reassessment of existing proposals related to the Act’s amendment. It emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on the pertinent recommendations through a specialized committee established under the Wildlife Department. The ultimate goal is to finalize the amendment of the Act within a specified timeframe, addressing the critical concerns surrounding elephant deaths in Sri Lanka.
