Wildlife offices on alert over tusker Kavantissa

Kavanthissa, described in reports as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and tallest wild tuskers, was found lying in a paddy field in the Siyambalangamuwa area on the morning of October 16. Lankadeepa reported a serious leg injury at the time; other reports say he had been ill for several days. He is associated with the Galgamuwa region, including the Getadiulwewa area.

Treatment for an injury to his right front leg began on September 24. Newswire reports that the injury was believed to have resulted from a gunshot and had shown improvement, but that the elephant had recently lost his appetite and developed other health concerns. Wildlife veterinary teams are providing round-the-clock care, including saline fluids and medication.

Environment Minister Dr Dhammika Patabendi visited to review the elephant’s condition and treatment. Rupavahini reported that the plan was drawn up with wildlife and zoo veterinarians and Peradeniya veterinary faculty professors, and that the minister called for coordination and readiness to respond if the animal’s condition changed. Thermal-drone monitoring at night was also being arranged, according to Rupavahini.

Newswire reported that the Environment Ministry had approved bringing a veterinary team from Thailand. Newsfirst Tamil described the effort as still being explored, while Daily Mirror reported that businessman Dudley Sirisena offered to pay the team’s travel and treatment costs, including medicines. The reports do not establish when the specialists will arrive.

Authorities have asked the public to stay away and avoid noise and drone use around the treatment site, warning that disturbances could stress the elephant and hinder veterinary work. Separately, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited on October 16 and called for broader tusker conservation measures and action to reduce human-elephant conflict, while praising those involved in the treatment.