Voiceless and voteless: Tragedy of Sri Lanka’s elephants

Wednesday, 26 February 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shiromi Masakorala

I write this post as a deeply saddened and outraged Sri Lankan citizen. This morning, I woke up to the horrific news that six elephants were killed by a train collision on the Galoya–Habarana track. This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. Just a few months ago, another herd was struck on this same railway line. What have we learned?

Every day, our majestic national treasures are being slaughtered, and no one seems to care—except for a handful of NGOs fighting tirelessly for them. We see elephants electrocuted, tuskers butchered, and entire herds wiped out. Over 470 elephants were killed just last year and numbers keep adding. Their lands are stolen, their ancient migratory paths blocked by reckless, unplanned settlements, courtesy of shortsighted politicians.

Some elephants in Yala now resemble buffaloes—starving, trapped, unable to migrate. If these voiceless beings could vote, perhaps leaders would suddenly find their conscience. This is a country where the majority follow the teachings of Lord Buddha, whose core message is compassion. Yet, we continue to betray that very principle.

And what do the authorities say? The Railway Department claims they are “clearing the track.” Shame on them. Wildlife officials send teams after the disaster happens—but where were they when they already knew this was a high-risk area? Train drivers speed through elephant corridors without a care, knowing well the danger. Shame on them too! There should be strict laws to hold train drivers accountable for reckless driving in elephant corridors. No more excuses. No more impunity.

I have personally wasted hours of my time in early 2024 attending parliamentary committee meetings, working with dedicated professionals to propose immediate, medium-term, and long-term solutions. What happens to these reports? Do they just gather dust in some office?

I won’t only blame politicians, though they are responsible. What are Government officials doing? They are paid with our tax money to protect this nation’s wildlife, yet they fail repeatedly. These elephants—the same ones that roam Kaudulla, Minneriya, and the Eco Park—bring invaluable foreign revenue to our country. Tourists from across the world come to witness these breathtaking herds. And yet, we keep killing them.

Today we have lost approximately seven elephants, aged between 8, 15, 20, and more are suffering in agony. Heartbreaking scenes unfold as baby elephants hover around their mother’s lifeless body, nudging her, unable to understand that she will never wake up. In this instance, if they cannot be saved, let them be put to sleep rather than left to die in unbearable pain. As a Buddhist, I pray that these magnificent creatures find a better life in another world—one where love and compassion truly exist.

I recently read the new Government’s environmental policy and I can only hope they act swiftly, as some critical issues have been addressed. The President stated that Sri Lanka has approximately 8,000 elephants—a highly questionable figure. There has been no proper, scientific census, no evidence to back this claim. I fear the authorities are misleading the President as well.

So I ask: Minister of Wildlife, Tourism, Railways and the authorities —whoever sees this post—what will you do? Sri Lanka’s elephants are running out of time. Act now.

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