Human- elephant conflict continues with no solution at sight Wild jumbos wreak havoc in several villages

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe  

A herd of wild elephants that roamed into the Anamaduwa area early yesterday caused much havoc destroying cultivated lands and houses in the Siyambalayaya, Kedetthawa, Gallewa, and Koalathemiyawa villages.  
Residents of the affected area said that three houses had been destroyed in Siyambaleyaya. They said the walls in several houses had been pulled down and stocks of paddy devoured. They pointed out that the herd frequenting the nearby jungle had entered the villages after sunset.   

Chief Incumbent of the Gallewa temple Ven. Baduraliye Ginarathana Thera said the people were living in constant fear for about a week . Ven. Thera said the villagers were not armed with even elephant crackers to scare them away.  

Villagers said they had to travel about 45 miles to obtain elephant crackers and that the Wildlife Office would issue only two elephant crackers each on the recommendation of the Grama Niladhari. They pointed out that they had erected huts on huge tree tops to spend the night with their children in fear of  possible attacks.  
However,  Puttalam District Wildlife Conservator Eranda Gamage said steps were being taken to deploy a team of officers to drive away the herd.