Family escapes as wild elephants smash into Dambulla home

By Kanchana Kumara   

A father and son narrowly escaped death after a herd of three wild elephants broke into their home in Sisirawatta, Dambulla, in the early hours of yesterday, tearing down three walls and consuming a stock of stored paddy.  

The son said he woke his sleeping father after hearing loud noises, and the pair fled through a window moments before the elephants entered the house. The animals reportedly remained on the property for nearly two hours, leaving the family terrified. 

Residents say the same herd has been roaming the village for more than three months, destroying crops and forcing people to stay indoors after dark. They accused the authorities of failing to take effective action despite repeated complaints.