Wild elephants continue to risk lives at garbage dump near Deegawapi Vihare in Ampara

• Loads of garbage collected from different areas of the Ampara District are dumped at this site

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya
Wild elephants continue to forage for food at the garbage dumb close to the historic Deegawapi sacred site in Amapara despite repeated requests made to wildlife authorities to take some preventive measures.  
In the recent past, a number of jumbos died after consuming plastic trash from the dump. Polythene, food wrappers, plastic and other non-digestibles are found in the dump. 

Loads of garbage collected from different areas of the Ampara District are dumped at this site triggering a stench in the area. 
Herds of elephants frequent the place in search of food every day during morning and evening hours.  
Chief Incumbent of Deegawapi Rajamaha Vihare Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thera said garbage disposal takes place in a haphazard manner. He stressed the need for a scientific approach to resolve this issue.