Human–Elephant conflict claims 33 lives in Anuradhapura

By Dayaratne Embogama   

The death rate in the human-elephant conflict in the Anuradhapura District has been increasing and it resulted in the death of 33 people and 91 wild elephants in 2025.   

A senior official of the Wildlife Department said in addition to the deaths, 47 people had been injured and 1,057 houses and property were extensively damaged. He said the most number of deaths of villagers had been reported from Kahatagasdigiliya division.   

District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya said Rs.33,000,000 has been paid as compensation for the 33 people who lost their lives and Rs. 3,449,788 for property damage. He said 20 wild elephants had died in Hakka Patas explosions and 13 had been shot dead. Another 12 wild elephants had been electrocuted by laying electric traps to protect cultivated land and home garden crops.   

Meanwhile, Hunuwilagama Entrance has received an income of Rs.639,443,910, Eluwankulama entrance Rs. 114,768,800 and Wilpattu National Park Rs.754,212,711 from wildlife tourists.