People’s Bank will fund a three-year project to reduce elephant–train collisions through early warning systems at high-risk railway locations, with a pilot planned along a 14-kilometre stretch between Habarana and Hataraskotuwa.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, Sri Lanka Railways, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation. The bank and the three departments signed a memorandum of understanding on 1 September 2026.
According to People’s Bank, 39 critical locations covering approximately 89 kilometres of railway track have been identified for the installation of warning systems. The bank will initially fund 13 systems at priority locations identified by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The system combines ground vibration and acoustic sensors, radar, thermal sensors and beam sensors to detect elephant movements on or near railway tracks. It uses solar power and long-range wireless communication.
When an elephant enters a designated danger zone, the system will issue warnings through trackside lights, alerts inside locomotive cabs and notifications to railway control, giving personnel additional time to respond.
People’s Bank will finance the procurement and installation of the technology and equipment. Sri Lanka Railways will support infrastructure construction, introduce speed controls and signalling measures, and train locomotive drivers to follow enhanced safety procedures in high-risk areas.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation will undertake habitat management measures, including providing artificial water sources and improving food availability within forest habitats, with the aim of reducing elephant movements near railway tracks.
A central monitoring station will oversee system performance, identify faults and coordinate maintenance. The three departments will also conduct awareness programmes for railway personnel, local communities and the public.
The warning system was designed by elephant conservationist and engineer Irosh Perera. According to the bank, it was selected following discussions with wildlife officials on practical measures to prevent collisions, after earlier applications showed encouraging results.
Officials attached to the Clean Sri Lanka Programme subsequently facilitated discussions at the Presidential Secretariat to establish the project’s framework, implementation strategy and milestones.
People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda said the initiative aimed to protect elephants while improving railway safety.
“By bringing together technology, collaboration, and conservation, we aim to contribute towards protecting Sri Lanka’s elephant population while enhancing railway safety and promoting sustainable development,” he said.
The bank’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Clive Fonseka, said the partnership reflected its commitment to environmental sustainability and would support efforts to reduce elephant fatalities and improve railway operations.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Guniyangoda, Fonseka, members of the bank’s board and other officials attended the agreement-signing event.
