• Residents confirm recurring threat of aggressive elephant

By Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa   

In a startling incident along the Dambulla–Habarana highway, a family of four, including two children, found themselves in the midst of a wild elephant attack during the early hours of yesterday morning. The family’s vehicle came under assault as they cautiously pulled over by the roadside to avoid potential danger from an approaching elephant.  

The victims, identified as a nurse from Polonnaruwa National Hospital, her husband, and their two children, were on their way to Colombo when the wild elephant struck their car. 

The situation escalated when two passenger buses, engaged in a high-speed race, approached the scene. One bus sounded its horn, while the other attempted to swerve away from the elephant, ultimately colliding with the rear of the family’s vehicle.  

The enraged elephant caused extensive damage to the car, stripping off its parts in the process. Simultaneously, another wild elephant targeted a lorry transporting a rice consignment from Polonnaruwa. In an attempt to escape, the lorry toppled, fortunately causing no injuries. However, all three vehicles involved sustained significant damage.  

Local residents reported that the aggressive elephant had become a recurring presence in the vicinity, posing a continuous threat to passing vehicles.