Environmental Activists Announce Silent Protest Calling for End to Wildlife Destruction and Human-Elephant Conflict

Environmental activists have announced a silent protest outside the Presidential Secretariat on November 3, calling for an end to the destruction of wildlife and demanding a lasting solution to the human-elephant conflict.

The protest, organised under the appeal "Stop the destruction of wildlife, including Kawanthissa and Yukthiya", will begin at Galle Face Green and proceed towards the area near the Presidential Secretariat.

Speaking at a media briefing, environmentalist Indunil Bandara said the protest would be held in memory of the elephant king Kawanthissa and in support of all wildlife.

He said several protests had previously been held at different locations following Kawanthissa's death, adding that the latest demonstration was being organised by people who care about the country and its environment, rather than by any particular political group.

Bandara criticised the Government, claiming that promises made before coming to power regarding wildlife protection had been forgotten. He also alleged that the authorities had remained silent following incidents involving wildlife, while international attention had been drawn to such matters.

He said many elephants had died during the current year and expressed regret that Sri Lanka had failed to protect an elephant regarded by many as an Asian icon, comparing its status to that of Raja.

Bandara said the protesters had proposals for addressing the issues and called for Dhammika Pathabendi to step aside temporarily. He also urged the Government to appoint other capable individuals to address wildlife-related concerns.

Referring to a statement attributed to the Minister of Agriculture, suggesting that people could do whatever they wished to anyone entering their farms, Bandara questioned the Government's position on protecting wildlife.