PM Promises Crackdown on Wildlife Crime in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has vowed strict enforcement of the law against those responsible for environmental crimes, citing the recent death of the iconic tusker Kavantissa as a tragedy that deeply affected the nation.

Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Environmental Awards ceremony, the Prime Minister said the loss of Kavantissa was felt by Sri Lankans across the country, even by those who had never seen the elephant in person.

"The tragic loss of Kavantissa is something that has deeply affected all of us. Most of us may never have seen Kavantissa face to face, but all of us felt that we had lost something we knew, something we loved, a national treasure," she said.

Dr. Amarasuriya said the government was deeply saddened by the elephant's death and noted that wildlife veterinary teams had made every effort to save the animal following the gunshot injury and subsequent infection.

"Despite the tireless efforts of wildlife veterinary teams, we were unable to save Kavantissa due to the severe injuries caused by the gunshot and the resulting infection. We firmly believe that the law must be strictly enforced against those who commit such environmental crimes, and we are determined to ensure that happens," she said.

She said plans were already underway to establish a new animal hospital in 2027 and introduce a mobile veterinary service to strengthen wildlife protection and animal healthcare across the country.

While noting that Sri Lanka already has several animal hospitals, Dr. Amarasuriya said they must be upgraded and supported with better-trained veterinary professionals.

The Prime Minister added that the government hopes to strengthen education and specialist training related to wildlife conservation, enabling Sri Lanka to better protect its natural heritage and respond more effectively to threats facing wildlife.