In brief
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment has started the “Hasthi Sena” operation, an all‑nation effort involving armed forces and wildlife authorities to protect elephants and reduce conflicts with humans. The program will focus initially on 17 at‑risk elephants, cover about 80 % of elephant range, and include raids on illegal weapons and snares that threaten the animals. The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and public safety.
On Monday, Sri Lanka announced the launch of a nationwide initiative dubbed Hasthi Sena aimed at protecting elephants and curbing human‑elephant conflict, according to a report by Xinhua. The program will span the entire island, beginning in the North‑Western Wildlife Region and expanding to cover roughly eighty percent of the country’s elephant‑habited zones.
Xinhua noted that the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The first phase will concentrate on seventeen elephants identified as being at risk, with plans to extend coverage to the remaining twenty percent of elephant habitats under a separate program.
The operation’s focus on the 17 elephants was highlighted by Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, who explained that these animals were selected for their vulnerability to both natural threats and human encroachment. Patabendi’s comments, cited by Xinhua, indicated that the selection process drew on scientific and local knowledge to prioritize those most in danger.
Beyond conservation, the Hasthi Sena program will enforce legal measures against activities that endanger elephants. Xinhua reported that authorities will conduct raids and pursue criminal actions against the use of illegal firearms, explosive bait known locally as “hakka patas,” unauthorized electric fences, and snares that pose significant risks to the animals.
The involvement of the armed forces underscores the seriousness with which the government is treating the issue. Xinhua’s account shows that soldiers will assist in personnel patrols and logistics, providing a rapid response capacity that civilian conservation teams alone may not possess. This partnership reflects a broader trend in Sri Lanka where military resources are mobilized for environmental protection projects.
Public safety concerns are a central civic stake in the program. Human‑elephant conflict has historically led to property damage, injuries and occasionally fatalities. By intercepting illegal weapons and traps, the Hasthi Sena operation seeks to mitigate these incidents, thereby reducing tensions between rural communities and elephant populations. Xinhua emphasized that the program is also intended to safeguard the economic activities of local farmers who depend on agriculture, by lowering the likelihood of crop raiding and property damage.
Institutions responsible for implementing the operation are expected to face heightened accountability through the public nature of the raids. Xinhua highlighted that legal action will be taken against offenders, showcasing a commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws. This transparency is meant to reinforce public trust in the government's ability to protect natural resources while maintaining public safety.
In addition to direct conservation actions, the Hasthi Sena program will track the health and movements of the at‑risk elephants. Though Xinhua did not provide detailed methodology, the implication is that data gathering will inform future conservation strategies and encourage evidence-based policymaking.
While the program’s immediate scope covers about eighty percent of elephant habitats, Xinhua confirmed that the remaining twenty percent will be addressed through a separate initiative. This phased approach suggests a structured plan for gradually expanding protective measures across the country, potentially allowing for assessment of the program’s effectiveness before full nationwide deployment.
The initiative marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s environmental policy, aligning national wildlife legislation with international conservation standards. By integrating military support, wildlife officials, and legal enforcement, the Hasthi Sena operation seeks to create a comprehensive system of protection that balances ecological preservation with human livelihoods and safety.