The Minister of Sustainable Development and Wild Life Gamini Jayawickrema Perera is preparing to present a cabinet paper to increase the compensation given to families of persons killed by wild elephant attacks to Rs 500,000 from current Rs 200,000.
Deputy Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena has revealed the minister’s initiative to increase compensation at a discussion held at the Moneragala Divisional Secretariat to inspect the progress of the Electric fences built in Moneragala, Government Information Department said.
Explaining the measures taken by the government to prevent elephant attacks, the Deputy Minister said new electric fences are being built systematically while the broken fences are being repaired. In addition awareness programs are also being conducted.
“Last year we were able to increase the Compensation to Rs 200,000 from Rs 100,000. As soon as we get the cabinet approval the compensation will be increased to Rs 500,000,” said the Deputy minister.
“There were complaints saying that there was a delay in giving compensation to people who were attacked by wild elephants or the damaged belongings. Now a mechanism is in place for people to get the compensation from the District Secretariat where the person is living. I have advised the Wildlife department officials to appraise the officials,” Minister Jayasena explained.
The Deputy Minister wanted the work on the electric fences in Moneragala expedited while work on the new fences to start soon.
In Moneragala District 53 kilometers of electric fencing has been repaired while 73 kilometers of new fencing have been established. In addition work on another 80 kilometers will start soon. Minister also gave instructions to construct electric fences in another 40 kilometers where there are threats from elephants.