Passenger bus comes under attack during fierce battle between wild elephants

By Hemantha Ranasuriya and S. G. Ubepala  

A fierce fight between two wild elephants on the forest road near Singha ulpotha in Kebithigollewa caused tense situation on Tuesday, as a private bus carrying garment factory workers came under attack and was forced off the road.  

According to police, the two fully grown wild elephants were engaged in a fierce fight when the bus, carrying around 20 female workers from a garment factory in Welioya, was passing through the area.   

“The smaller vehicle transporting workers from Yakawewa village to the main Kebithigollewa–Padaviya road was initially blocked by the elephants’ fight,” police said. “When the larger bus arrived to assist, it came under attack from the wild elephants and had to be pulled off the road.”  

Police and Wildlife Department officers rushed to the scene and safely evacuated all passengers, preventing any injuries. Officials have urged caution for commuters traveling through forested areas, noting that territorial disputes between wild elephants can pose serious risks to people and vehicles alike.