Rs.10 coin found during autopsy of Digadanthu 1

• Steps taken to preserve its tusks and head

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

During the post-mortem examination of Digadanthu 1, wildlife officers found a Rs. 10 coin in its abdomen, Wildlife Conservation Department veterinary surgeon Dr. Chandana Jayasinghe said.  
He told the Daily Mirror that the elephant died from electrocution. Steps have been taken to preserve its tusks and head. The elephant, aged between 45 and 50 years and standing 9 feet 2 inches tall, was relocated to the Kahalla Pallekele Sanctuary due to flooding caused by heavy rains at the Kala Wewa reservoir.  

On November 29, wildlife officers removed the elephant’s head with the tusks and took it to the Galkiriyagama Wildlife Conservation Office. After the post-mortem, the head was buried for safekeeping. Officials plan to dig it up later to recover the tusks safely.   

Dr. Jayasinghe confirmed that the elephant died from cardiac arrest caused by an electric shock.  

A manager from an insurance company was arrested in connection with the death and appeared before the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court on November 29. He was remanded until December 12. Police found several electrical devices, including wires, at his house.