• The injured young men and woman were from Thirappane and Kathnoruwa

By B.G.Chaturanga   

 Two young men and a woman were attacked by a wild elephant causing them serious injuries when they attempted to take a photo of a wild elephant in the Kathnoruwa forest reserve in Ehetuwewa division in Meegelewa.   

 The injured young men and woman were from Thirappane and Kathnoruwa areas. They were admitted to Meegalewa hospital and transferred to the Anuradhapura teaching hospital.   

 A spokesman for the hospital said the young woman would undergo emergency surgery.   

 Veterinary Surgeon of Anuradhapura Wildlife Zone Dr. Chandana Jayasinghe said several herds of wild elephants including tuskers were frequenting Kahalla-Pallekele forest reserve in Kathnoruwa. He pointed out that photographers and journalists of U-Tube channels were entering the forest reserve without permission and attempting to take photos and to video record the movements of wild elephants regardless of its danger.   

 A wildlife officer said the incident today was reminiscent of Wildlife Photographer Erick Swan who was trampled to death when he went too close to a wild elephant and attempted to take a photo several years ago.