Sri Lanka Installs Thermal Cameras on Trains to Stop Elephant Deaths

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Railways has begun installing thermal‑sensing cameras on locomotive engines, in a bid to curb the long‑standing issue of elephants colliding with trains.

The initiative marks a key recommendation of a high‑level committee appointed to implement rapid, practical solutions to prevent wildlife‑related rail accidents.

The committee, led by Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Pathabandi and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, has outlined a series of actions to protect both wild elephants and train passengers.

One of its latest steps, equipping trains with advanced thermal cameras , is now being rolled out.

As part of the programme, train timetables are being adjusted and the new camera systems are being fitted specifically to locomotives that operate along tracks where elephants are known to roam frequently.

The installation of these camera systems took place on Wednesday (11) at the Dematagoda Railway Yard.

Authorities say the technology will undergo performance testing over the next week to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting elephants ahead of moving trains.

Environmental activist Ravindra Kariyawasam emphasized the importance of this pilot phase, noting that Sri Lanka has long experimented with various measures to reduce human‑elephant conflict.

“This is another significant step. By installing these thermal cameras, drivers on the northern rail line and areas like Trincomalee will finally be able to determine in advance if elephants are on or near the tracks,” he said.

Research Engineer Jayakamal Abeysekara, who is involved in the project, explained the technical capability behind the system.

“We are installing LWIR‑range thermal cameras operating on an 8000‑wavelength spectrum. These detect heat signatures — not through reflected light, but by capturing the thermal emissions of any object,” he said. “Once the enclosures and installations are complete, we expect the first test runs to be finalized within the week.”

Meanwhile, in a related conservation effort, Environment Minister Dr. Patabandi recently conducted an inspection tour of the underpass being constructed in the Kassikotte area, between Ambanpola and Galgamuwa stations along the northern railway line.

The underpass aims to provide a safe crossing point for elephants that routinely move across the tracks.