People protest in Dambulla against wild elephant threat

A group of residents engaged in a massive protest today (24), by blocking the road in the 'Deke Kanuwa' area on the Dambulla-Kandalama main road, demanding a permanent solution to the severe wild elephant threat existing in many villages of the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat Division.

The people said that for months, wild elephants have been storming into villages and towns at night in areas such as Kandalama, Erawula, Sisirawatta, Athuparayaya, and Pahalawewa, destroying crops and houses.

The people had taken steps to block the road in this manner because no proper solution had been received despite informing the authorities on several occasions regarding the issue.

Due to this sudden protest, vehicular traffic on the main road running from Dambulla-Kandalama-Wewalawewa as well as on the Dambulla-Mahiyanganaya main road was severely disrupted.

The protesting public stated that the elephant fence proposed for the area should be provided again immediately, and proper compensation should be given for the property damage caused by wild elephants.

They also emphasised that protection must be provided immediately for their lives, which are currently disrupted due to the wild elephant threat.

About an hour after the protest began, Dambulla Mayor Wasantha Kumara Rajamantri and a group of officials from the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat arrived at the location and held discussions with the protesters.

Speaking there, Mayor Wasantha Kumara Rajamantri stated that a special discussion will be held next Friday, the 26th, to obtain a permanent solution to this issue.

With that promise from the authorities, the people decided to temporarily suspend the protest until a fair solution is received June 26.