11th July 2025 14:34:20 Hours
A famous tusker named “Bhathiya,” who used to roam near the forest area in Maho, Ambanpola, and Nikaweratiya regions.This tusker was found fallen down near polpithigama tank and wild life conservation officers have stated that this tusker has collapsed and weaken due to serious injuries in its leg. Since 5th July 2025, the Maho and Nikaweratiya Wildlife Officers, along with Nikaweratiya Wildlife Veterinary Team, have given assistance for treatments and feed to preserve the life of tusker. The 57 Infantry Division, The 571 Infantry Brigade, The 15th Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment, and the 9th Sri Lanka National Guard Officers & Soldiers have assist for the operation with the requisition of wild life conservation.
Professor Ashoka Dangolla from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Peradeniya, together with a team of veterinarians, arrived at the location and provided treatment to the injured tusker on 06th July 2025. Further treatment for the collapsed elephant was carried out on 07th July 2025 by veterinary officers Mr. Tharindu Wijekoon and Mr. Isuru Hewakottage from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, with the support of the 9th Sri Lanka National Guard and local residents.Later, using a Excavator machine owned by a local resident, wildlife officers and 9 SLNG soldiers worked together to remove the mud from the water-filled pit where the elephant had fallen. They prepared the ground to make it easier for the elephant to lie down, and also set up a tent cover to provide shade and protect the elephant from the intense sunlight.
Later, with the help of the 9th Sri Lanka National Guard, Officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and local villagers used a water bowser to clean the mud and cleanup the elephant's body and also cleaned the ground where it was lying and afterwards filled the pit with clean water and a Pirith Chanting ceremony was also held to bless the elephant with the participation of monks from Polpithigama Raja Maha Viharaya. It was organized under the guidance of the Commanding officer of 9th battalion Sri Lanka National Guard.The daily supply of food and water for the elephant is being continuously provided by the 15th Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment , the 9th battalion of Sri Lanka National Guard, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and local residence. At present, the area is being secured by police officers and wildlife officials.
