Galgamuwa Magistrate Ravindra Ranjan Bandara ordered the Meegalewa Wildlife Range Officer to appear in court on November 19 to respond to submissions and requests concerning the investigation into the death of the tusker Kawanthissa.
The order was issued on November 5 after Attorney-at-Law Rohitha Rajakaruna, appearing for the Best Vision Foundation, moved to have case B 63322/2026 recalled through a motion.
The officer is conducting the investigation and represents the complainant in the proceedings before the Galgamuwa Magistrate’s Court.
Addressing the court, Rajakaruna said accusations were being directed at various parties over the tusker’s premature death. He submitted that an independent, systematic and scientifically rigorous assessment of the post-mortem findings was necessary to establish who, if anyone, bore responsibility.
He rejected allegations against farmers in Galgamuwa, arguing that local farming communities had donated land for an elephant corridor without receiving compensation from the Government.
Rajakaruna alleged that businesspeople from outside the area and associates of politicians had enclosed plots of between 50 and 100 acres with electric fences, obstructing elephant movement.
He argued that blaming local farmers for Kawanthissa’s death without a proper basis undermined coexistence between people and elephants.
The lawyer also cautioned against blaming all Department of Wildlife Conservation officers, noting that many performed their duties with dedication. However, he said there were public suspicions that senior officials had neglected their responsibilities in connection with the tusker’s death.
Similarly, he argued that wildlife veterinarians should not collectively face accusations, pointing out that many worked responsibly and compassionately.
Rajakaruna nevertheless alleged that some veterinarians had agitated the tusker and filmed it under the guise of providing treatment. He called for a formal investigation into those allegations.
He requested an order directing wildlife officials to refer the post-mortem report to an independent team of foreign veterinary specialists and submit a report containing their expert opinion to court.
Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya, appearing for wildlife photographer Pathum Bandara, told the court that samples from the tusker’s body had been sent to the University of Peradeniya for further examination.
He requested that the Department of Wildlife Conservation be directed to submit the findings to court through a panel of veterinary specialists.
Having considered the submissions, the Magistrate ordered the Meegalewa Wildlife Range Officer to appear on November 19 to address the allegations, matters raised and requests made by the lawyers.
A separate case concerning the shooting of Kawanthissa is scheduled to be called again before the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court on November 11.
