Work on Kasikote elephant tunnel to resume on January 19

15 January 2026 05:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, Jan. 15 (Daily Mirror) - Work on the Kasikote Elephant Tunnel project is set to resume on January 19, following a comprehensive review of the existing structure and its impact.

According to a joint inspection report submitted by the Railways Department, the tunnel, which was previously constructed without proper regulation or environmental assessment by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, contains several problematic areas that require urgent attention.

Despite these shortcomings, authorities have acknowledged that the tunnel remains a positive and important concept aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict and ensuring safer passage for both elephants and people.

The decision to recommence work on the project has been taken with the objective of addressing existing issues while improving the facility to effectively protect elephant habitats and human lives.

The resumption of construction and corrective measures will be carried out under the guidance and intervention of Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, and Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake.

Officials said that the renewed project will proceed with proper oversight and necessary environmental considerations to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

“The Kasikote Elephant Tunnel was constructed six feet below the main road level along the railway line. Therefore, a slope needs to be created to enable elephants to enter the tunnel easily. Speed bumps have also been installed on the main road near the tunnel to reduce vehicle speed, and a CCTV camera system has been set up for monitoring,” an official said.

In addition, an awareness programme has been launched to educate train drivers on preventing sudden accidents involving elephants. A total of 147 signboards have been installed along railway lines in identified elephant accident-prone areas to enhance safety.

Comments - 3

Felix Thursday, 15 January 2026 05:54 PM

Its a good thins that these two institutions have taken over the job to complete the tunnel. In my opinion it is useless to install sign boards on the railway line since the engine driver will not be able to read any thing mentioned on it, instead it would be better to install a lighting system with RED color to warn the engine driver in approaching elephant crossings at 100M and 150M distances. on both sides. Who ever started this construction seems to have not done a proper feesibility study. When this was started, there were no railway tracks laid. Taking this opportunity they should have started from the road level up before the CGR laid the tracks. Any way better late than never.

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lion Friday, 16 January 2026 06:45 AM

Please construct the tunnel as fast you can to prevent the mounting death casualties of elephants in this county.

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D P P Prasad Friday, 16 January 2026 07:16 AM

This is a good move in addition to this tunnel. The government should focus on constructing some vital tunnels in order to prevent the wild elephants from running over by the trains. Certain elephants corridors that are located across the railway line from areas like Polonnaruwa Batticoloa Anuradhapura and Galgamuva

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