In brief
On Monday, Sri Lanka announced the "Hasthi Sena" operation, a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Environment, armed forces, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The first phase targets 17 at‑risk elephants and covers roughly 80% of elephant‑habited areas. Authorities will conduct raids on illegal firearms, explosive bait, electric fences, and snares.
On Monday, Sri Lanka inaugurated the island‑wide "Hasthi Sena" operation to protect elephants and curb conflicts with humans. The initiative, launched in the North‑Western Wildlife Region, is a joint effort by the Ministry of Environment, the armed forces, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the initial phase would focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. He added that the program is expected to cover about 80% of areas inhabited by elephants, with the remaining 20% to be addressed later in a separate program.
Hasthi Sena
The operation will include raids and legal action against those who employ illegal firearms, explosive bait known as "hakka patas," unauthorized electric fences and snares that threaten elephants. The Ministry’s announcement confirmed that authorities will work to protect the animals across 80% of their habitats.
hakka patas
