Skills Development Officer Suspected Of Shooting Kavantissa

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Police stated that the suspect arrested over the shooting of the Tusker Kavantissa is a Skills Development Officer attached to the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat.

Police said a foreign-made 12-bore firearm, muzzleloader and 24 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the suspect's possession.

The suspect was arrested yesterday afternoon during a joint operation carried out by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit and Department of Wildlife officials in the Meegalewa area.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before court today (19).

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the death of Tusker Kavantissa, who succumbed to it's injuries. 

The CID said a team of officers had left for the Usgala Siyambalangamuwa area to conduct investigations.

The Ministry of Environment also lodged complaints with the CID and the Police and called for an investigation into the incident.

Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi said the ministry expects to obtain the assistance of the Ministry of Defence for the investigation.

Kavantissa attracted widespread attention on social media and was considered one of the largest and tallest wild elephants found in Sri Lanka's natural habitat.

The elephant was shot in its right, front leg on September 23.

Kavantissa was found dead last Friday (16) in a paddy field in Yaya 03, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, within the area under the Meegalewa Wildlife Office.

The remains of the Tusker were laid to rest on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, samples from the Tusker's body have been sent to a panel of experts from the University of Peradeniya to determine the cause of death.