Irregularities mar elephant census results

Colombo, June 10 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the lapse of nearly one year, the results of the elephant census are yet to be determined due to complaints about irregularities in the process.

The nationwide elephant census took place from August 17 to 19, with 3,130 survey centres set up around the country in August, last year.

Asked about the reason for the delay in the release of results, Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi told Daily Mirror that the census report would be released soon.

He said some environmentalists had made allegations about irregularities in the process at that time.

"We will look into them and the process results will be unveiled to the public soon," he said. The last elephant census was conducted in 2011. The total elephant population was found to be nearly 6000 at that time.

Sri Lanka is considered to be a country with a high density of elephant population.