Wild elephants roam, school children on holiday

By Sanatha Gamage   

The wild elephant conflict in the Hambantota area has resulted in the closure of Welipatanwila Maha Vidyalaya in Nonagama in Hambantota education zone.   

Residents of the area said a herd of wild elephants was frequenting Nonagama, Welipatanwila, Lunama and Kiula areas and that they are living in constant fear of any possible danger to their life from the marauding jumbos.  Principal of Welipatanwila Maha Vidyalaya, Gamini Gamage said a rogue elephant frequenting the area had hit the motorcycle belonging to the mother of a student near the rear gate of the school yard causing it extensive damage. He noted that the children, who had never experienced the human-elephant conflict so closely, were frightened by the sight of the wild elephant in the school yard. Consequently, he contacted the parents, handed over the children, and closed the school.   

A senior official of Kalametiya Wildlife Office said steps have been taken to drive away the herd from the area.