Wild elephant killed by night mail train in Siyambalangamuwa

A wild elephant died in the Siyambalangamuwa area after being knocked down by the night mail train traveling from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee early this morning, officials of the Meegalewa Wildlife Sanctuary said.

 

Wildlife officials reported that the elephant was hit in the Siyambalangamuwa area at approximately 1:30 a.m. today.

 

They said the elephant, estimated to be around 10 years old, was severely impacted by the collision. The body was shattered upon impact, with parts scattered several metres along the railway track.

 

Officials from the Meegalewa Wildlife Conservation Office have take steps to conduct a post-mortem examination on the remains. The examination will be carried out by the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Veterinary Unit.

 

Under the instructions of Shantha Weerasinghe, Assistant Director of the North-Western Wildlife Division, further investigations into the incident are being carried out by officers from the Meegalewa office.