Jumbo attacks in Kurunegala

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Corr.

Four persons have died of being attacked by wild elephants in the Galgamuwa electorate of Kurunegala district in October. During this year, eight persons have been killed by wild elephants. Galgamuwa wildlife zone comprises Galgamuwa, Ehetuwewa, Ambanpola and Maho Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kurunegala district.

Wildlife Range Officer of Galgamuwa M.G. Seneviratne said that almost all these deaths occurred due to the negligence of residents in this area.

They roam at night at areas where wild elephant dwell without thinking seriously on the risk of attacks by wild jumbos.

Some persons had been under the influence of liquor when they were attacked.

Some people who went for hunting at night had been attacked by elephants to death.

They don't give serious thought to the risk of being attacked by elephants.

Officials of the wildlife conservation have adequately enlightened the residents on how to prevent destructive attacks by wild elephants but these residents don't follow our precautions properly and hence they face unfortunate and tragic deaths, Seneviratne said.