SECURITY FORCES (EAST) CONDUCTED AN OPERATION TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM WILD ELEPHANTS

The Security Forces (East), in collaboration with the 12th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, the Wildlife Department (Wildlife Office Piburaththawa), and Mahaweli officers (Block Office Dimbulagala), conducted an operation to drive wild 21 elephants from Weeralanda Tank to Maduru Oya National Park on February 1, 2025. This initiative aimed to mitigate damage caused by wild elephants to paddy fields and safeguard local communities.

The operation covered the Dimbulagala Divisional Sector, including the following GS divisions: Galeliya, Warapitiya, Weheragala, and Kajuwaththa an area encompassing approximately 800 acres of paddy cultivation.

Under the leadership of the Commander of Security Forces (East), Major General P R Pathiravithana USAWC psc, and Brigadier W S R Kumara USP ISC Project Officer of the Security Forces (East), the initiative seeks to address the escalating human-elephant conflict and promote sustainable solutions for both agriculture and wildlife conservation.

Senior officers, officers, other ranks, government officials, and civilians participated in this operation.