43 elephants dead within January alone: Minister

Some 43 elephants died due to human-elephant conflicts in January, 2025 while three persons were killed during the same period, Minister of Environment. Dr. Dhammika Patabandi said today.

 

He told Parliament that some 3,527 elephants died during the last ten years and some 1,195 persons were killed during the same period due to human-elephant conflicts.

 

The Minister said this while responding to a question raised by SJB MP Nalin Bandara.

 

The MP said the Wildlife Department bears the cost of Rs. one million for the death of each elephant and human.