HIP advances ‘Save Ali Pancha’ project

Launching Phase II of ‘Save Ali Pancha’ initiative

Feeding milk formula to baby elephants

Hambantota International Port (HIP), in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) as project facilitator, is taking its flagship human-elephant conflict initiative to the next stage with the launch of Phase II of the ‘Save Ali Pancha’ project. 

The programme follows measurable successes in wildlife conservation, scientific research and community engagement achieved during its first phase.

Funded by the China Merchants Foundation (CMF), the new phase will strengthen support for orphaned elephant rehabilitation at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawa through the introduction of specialised elephant infant milk formula sourced from Australia. 

The programme will directly support 25 orphaned elephant calves, particularly those between 8 and 10 months of age, who require nutrition closely aligned with their mother’s milk during a critical stage of development.

Jeevan Premasara, Senior General Manager – Human Resources & Administration of HIP, said, “The launch of Phase II marks the continuation of a collaborative conservation programme that has evolved beyond traditional wildlife support. Through the partnership between HIP, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and WNPS, the initiative brings together conservation expertise, scientific research and innovative technology to address one of Sri Lanka’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

Phase I of ‘Save Ali Pancha’, implemented from October 2022 to October 2023 in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and facilitated by WNPS, delivered significant outcomes during a particularly challenging period for the country. Amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, the initiative helped bridge critical funding gaps at the Elephant Transit Home, ensuring uninterrupted milk supplies for orphaned calves. The intervention supported the survival and recovery of 25 vulnerable elephants, enabling their continued rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the wild.

The inauguration of ‘Save Ali Pancha’ Phase II was held at the HMC Sky Lounge with the participation of representatives from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, WNPS, HIP’s Executive Committee (EXCO), Operational Committee (OPCO) and staff members.

Through ‘Save Ali Pancha’ HIP continues to advance practical, science-based and community-centred solutions aimed at fostering long-term coexistence between people and elephants while contributing to wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.