Environmental Group Calls for Accountability Over Kawanthissa Elephant’s Death

Environmental conservationists have raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of Kawanthissa, a prominent tusker, questioning the treatment he received before his death and the measures taken to protect him.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Environmental Conservation Collective, Nayana Karanwella, secretary of the Wildlife Conservation Forum, expressed disappointment over the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s handling of the incident. He called for greater accountability and stronger measures to protect Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Karanwella said information available to the group suggested that Kawanthissa had been an exceptionally large tusker. He estimated the elephant’s height at approximately 11 feet and four inches and its weight at around 6,000 kilograms, although these figures were not independently verified.

He also disputed remarks attributed to the Director-General of Wildlife Conservation suggesting that wild elephants generally die at around 50 years of age. Karanwella argued that deaths caused by accidents, injuries and other threats should be distinguished from deaths resulting from natural ageing.

The conservationist questioned whether Kawanthissa had received an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment after he was reported to have been injured. He also raised concerns about whether adequate follow-up care had been provided.

According to information cited by Karanwella, the elephant had reportedly been missing for nearly a week before being found again. Reports of possible gunshot wounds, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and a rapidly deteriorating health condition prompted further questions about the medical attention and continuous monitoring he received.

Karanwella said a dedicated team should have monitored the elephant around the clock as his condition worsened. He also questioned whether the monitoring arrangements were adequate during rainy weather and whether the response was sufficient when the elephant eventually collapsed near a paddy field while moving through a stream with two other elephants.

He further expressed concern over social media footage that reportedly showed individuals removing hairs from the elephant’s tail around the time of his death. He said the incident raised questions about whether adequate protection had been provided even after the elephant died.

The conservationist described Kawanthissa as an important part of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage and called for better protection of elephants and other threatened wildlife.

Photo exhibition to honour Kawanthissa

As part of efforts to commemorate the elephant and raise public awareness about wildlife conservation, environmental groups are organising a photographic exhibition titled “Kawanthissa Memorial Reflections” at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre in Colombo.

The exhibition is scheduled to open on November 2 and continue for five days. It will feature photographs of Kawanthissa taken by different photographers, alongside images and information about other tuskers that have disappeared from public view or face serious threats.

Organisers also plan to provide a space where visitors can share their experiences and views on wildlife conservation.

Karanwella said the exhibition was intended not only to honour Kawanthissa but also to encourage public discussion and push authorities to take effective action to protect wildlife.

He cited threats including electrocution, explosive traps, gunshot injuries and illegal firearms as continuing dangers to elephants and other wild animals. He said the group was also examining possible legal avenues relating to Kawanthissa’s death and that around eight of its members had attended court in connection with the matter.

The group is also planning to prepare a document proposing scientifically grounded solutions to wildlife conservation challenges.

Karanwella invited the public to attend the exhibition from November 2, saying the initiative aimed to remember Kawanthissa while advocating changes to prevent similar incidents involving other elephants.