Hambegamuwa, August 4, 2025 — The carcass of a wild elephant was discovered today in a swamp close to the Karametiya Tank in the Dahaiyagala area, within the jurisdiction of the Hambegamuwa Police Division, officials confirmed.
The elephant, believed to be a mature male, was found submerged in the waterlogged area, prompting concerns among local wildlife authorities about the circumstances surrounding its death.
Wildlife officers and police officials arrived at the scene to inspect the site and initiate an investigation. Early observations suggest the elephant may have become trapped in the swamp, though officials are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
“This is a sad loss for the local ecosystem and a reminder of the challenges wildlife face in their natural habitats,” said a senior officer from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We will conduct a thorough inquiry to rule out any unnatural causes.”
The Hambegamuwa region is known for frequent human-elephant interactions, and authorities emphasised the need for heightened vigilance to prevent such incidents.
Local residents expressed sorrow over the incident, urging stronger measures to protect the area’s endangered wildlife.
Leave a comment