President Mahinda Rajapaksa directed officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry to take immediate measures to find a lasting solution to the human-elephant conflict, by establishing elephant paths connecting sanctuaries and allowing for the free movement of wild elephants.
The President said so while drawing his attention on this alarming issue at a meeting held on Wednesday.
The President pointed out that priority should be given to protecting and safeguarding the environment when carrying out development activities. The free movements of elephants may be obstructed and limited when elephant corridors are blocked by human activities, including development activities. Therefore, elephant corridors should not be hindered, so as to ensure the free movements of wild elephants.
“Development activities are a must, but not at the cost of environmental protection and the country’s flora and fauna,” the President said.
He further instructed officials to establish elephant paths connecting sanctuaries and allowing for the free movement of wild elephants.
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