Electric fence at Mattala to keep elephants at bay

16 March 2013 02:01 am - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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An electric fence will be built around the perimeter of the Mattala Airport to stop wild elephants from entering the outlying areas of the airport.

Wildlife Conservation Department spokesperson Hasini Sarathchandra said technology was provided by the Department and the electric fence would be built by the airport authorities.

She said this was being done to ensure the safety of the tourists and the wild elephants.

When asked whether the human elephant conflict would intensify in the surrounding areas, Ms. Sarathchandra said the Wildlife Conservation Department had done everything possible to ensure the protection of wildlife in Mattala.

Last year there were reports of even a crocodile entering the airport.

Ms. Sarathchandra said the building of an electric fence was the only viable solution to keep elephants away as they cannot be moved out of their natural habitats. (Sarasi Paranamanna)

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Comments - 22

godaya Saturday, 16 March 2013 05:03 AM

what abt the migratory birds??

Smash Sunday, 17 March 2013 11:09 AM

Such elephants can be transferred chaste to Katunayaka International Airport area. Then simply close it. showing the threats of elephant.

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 17 March 2013 09:33 AM

Mattala air port is another "white elephant".

modaya Saturday, 16 March 2013 06:06 PM

to rise up to fulfill your eelam dreams. It will never happen. Keep on guessing.

dsan Saturday, 16 March 2013 08:11 AM

airport itself a white elephant

Sareek Saturday, 16 March 2013 07:52 AM

Paste few poster arond airport : ahimaska sattunnta wada denteppa:

xlntgson Saturday, 16 March 2013 07:24 AM

One killed elephant is equivalent to 200 jobless men, walking corpses! Starvation deaths, imminent!

Mason Saturday, 16 March 2013 07:05 AM

The ELEPHANTS OF THEIR OWN CONSENT have CEASED to be a THREAT for long time now. In fact, they haven't the strength and resources to impose ANY threat.

ishan Saturday, 16 March 2013 06:55 AM

why dont you build a moat instead? with a gradual slope from the outside in so that no animal will fall in, but a steep ascent on the airport side to prevent animals from entering the premise?

Nodrog Saturday, 16 March 2013 05:20 AM

Other countries develop parks for their wild-life but here we do the exact opposite and destroy them

Invictusrilankan Saturday, 16 March 2013 05:10 AM

Invade Elephant Territory...Build Airport through an Elephant corridor...announce that an electric fence will be built to keep the PASSENGERS (not Elephants) safe just a few days before the opening of an International Airport!!! My God the geniuses who run this country.... BRAVO!!!

Pol Pot Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:14 AM

Environmental Disaster. Now the tourists won't be coming to see our Wild Life, who will be driven away by the noise of the Planes and the Electric fences!

Cobra Saturday, 16 March 2013 04:43 AM

At no cost to the state!!!!!

Ranjit Saturday, 16 March 2013 04:34 AM

Elephants in Airport and Big Rock in Port. Poor planning will cost the country a lot.

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 16 March 2013 04:14 AM

This is the result of rejecting the reports of environmentalists who warned of such disasters. The recent incidents of a Sri Lankan airline plane being disturbed by migrant birds and the killing of a man along the airport road by a roaming elephant are practical examples of such arrogance and ignorance. Perhaps, time for a new tourist promotion theme:"Come to Mattala and see wild Jumbos"

PRASANNAJIT Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:57 AM

Why hide the fact that the airport was built across an elephant corridor?

kotamils Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:47 AM

This is an other ill planed personal interest project.. people of sri lanka must rise up !

ANTON Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:50 AM

SOON HE WILL BUILD WICKRASINGHE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN WICKRAMASINGHEPURA BATTARAMULLA.

ANTON Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:35 AM

Seems, elephants are very angry with RAJAPAKSE AIRPORT

kay parker Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:29 AM

So Ranil cannot enter the airport

josh811 Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:26 AM

Aww...no jumbo jets??

Somawansa A. Saturday, 16 March 2013 03:25 AM

We know this will happen...... How many environmentalists warned and objections made of wild animals and migrant birds. The recent incident happened was a waning to say its the MOST MOST UNSAFEST AIRPORT in the world, knowing the risks.

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Electric fence at Mattala to keep elephants at bay

Comments - 22

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