Measures taken to prevent future elephant-train collisions

Following the death of six elephants at the 141-mile post on the Gal Oya-Hingurakgoda railway track last night, a special discussion was held in Parliament by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry to determine measures to prevent future collisions with elephants.

 

During the discussions, several key decisions were made, including clearing both sides of the railway tracks in high-risk areas to improve visibility, utilising the latest digital technologies, ditectly involving community groups in addressing the issue, installing lighting systems on trains that extend forward and to the sides, and considering the use of white lights instead of yellow lights.

 

The discussion was attended by Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura District Councillors and senior officials from all the aforementioned institutions.

 

As the second phase of this initiative, all parties agreed to visit the accident site on Saturday (22) morning for a comprehensive inspection and to implement the proposed measures along with any additional necessary actions.