Injured elephant roams Mahaoya villages, devastates crops

Paddy field of about 35 acres destroyed by the jumbo 

By Wasantha Chandrapala   

A wounded wild elephant has been roaming about in Samagipura, Pulawala, and Bendirekka areas in Mahaoya division for several days.   

They said the wildlife veterinary surgeons provided treatments to the jumbo, but one of its limbs has developed a swelling owing to the infection of the wound.   

Farmers said the wild elephant has been causing extensive damage to the cultivated land and home garden crops. They pointed out that the milling paddy field of about 35 acres in extent had been destroyed by the jumbo.    President of Samagi Farmer Association S.M.K.Darshana said the farmers were in a predicament owing to the crop devastation caused by the wild elephant. He said it is with great difficulty that the farmers scare away the jumbo and that the paddy fields were left to the mercy of the marauding elephant.   

Chairman of Mahaoya Pradeshiya Sabha Sugath Lasantha said the electric fences are in a dilapidated state and needs repairs. He pointed out that the people were living in constant fear of danger from the rogue elephant.   

Asst. Director of Wildlife in Ampara A.D.Prasantha Wimaladasa said Ampara District is teeming with wild elephants and the Mahaoya area on the borders of Maduru Oya National Park is the worst affected by the wild elephant threat. He said steps would be taken to drive away the rogue elephant into a forest reserve. He further said the Wildlife Medical Unit is providing treatment to the injured jumbo.