SJB Environmentalist Criticises Government over Kawanthissa’s Death, Power Cuts and Public Services

Speaking at an SJB media briefing on Friday, Ranwella said seven days had passed since Kawanthissa’s death. He stated that a religious sermon had been held the previous night, followed by an almsgiving ceremony on Friday under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Ranwella reiterated the Opposition’s call for a parliamentary select committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death. He also questioned why the government had allegedly failed to give adequate attention to the incident.

He claimed that the elephant’s head had been removed and taken elsewhere, while its body had been buried at a separate location. These claims would require independent verification.

Criticism over Electricity Cuts and Protests

Ranwella also criticised the government’s handling of electricity supply, contrasting its current approach to power cuts with statements made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when he was in Opposition.

He accused the government of misleading the public and argued that it had failed to fulfil promises made before taking office.

He further alleged that people were not being allowed to hold peaceful protests, despite the government having previously engaged in demonstrations while in Opposition.

Concerns over Medicine Shortages and Disaster Management

Addressing healthcare, Ranwella claimed that shortages of medicines supplied to cancer patients had emerged across the country. The extent of the alleged shortages was not detailed at the briefing.

He also criticised the government’s approach to disaster management, arguing that authorities were failing to take sufficient responsibility and leaving members of the public to manage emergencies themselves.

Calls for Protection of Elephants

Ranwella raised concerns about a proposed rice mill development in Ampara, claiming that the location was close to an elephant corridor used by around 300 elephants.

He appealed to the President to reconsider the project, urging the authorities to take the protection of elephants into account, particularly in light of Kawanthissa’s death.

He also referred to remarks allegedly made during efforts to locate the elephant Agbo, raising questions about the use of firearms in such operations. The specific circumstances and context of the remarks were not clarified in the information provided.