Tusker ’Revatha’ dies of electrocution

One of the majestic tuskers 'Rewatha,' which was named by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, was found dead today in a forest reserve in Kekirawa area, the Wildlife Department senior official said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror she said the tusker was found dead after having got caught in a live electric line.

The incident was reported from the Balalu Wewa wildlife reserve in the Kala Wewa area.

The tusker was reported to have been electrocuted by unauthorized electric fences erected to protect illegal farmlands within the forest reserve, the official said.

In a Twitter message  opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said he had named the tusker Rewatha'.

Following the tusker's death, Mr. Premadasa urged the government to initiate an urgent and impartial inquiry and take stringent measures to punish the culprits. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)