Another tusker has reportedly been shot dead in a forest reserve in Kahatagasdigiliya, Anuradhapura, with one of its tusks allegedly removed after the killing.
The incident is believed to have occurred around two days ago. Residents suspect the elephant may be the tusker known as ‘Lankeswara’, although authorities have yet to confirm its identity.
According to reports, the elephant was not among the 13 previously identified by the Government for special protection.
The suspected killing has renewed concerns over the safety of Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers and the effectiveness of measures introduced to protect elephants.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding the death or whether a tusk was removed.
