Halt harmful wildlife practices, adopt scientific solutions: CEJ urges President

Colombo, December 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka to immediately halt informal practices across the island that harm wildlife and to adopt a scientific approach to environmental management.

In a letter addressed to the President, CEJ President Hemantha Withanage called for an immediate cessation of illegal activities occurring in various parts of the island and emphasised the need for a science-based methodology.

The letter also proposed convening a high-level discussion to establish a comprehensive programme by engaging environmentalists, relevant government institutions and other stakeholders. This initiative would aim to reach a consensus and create a foundation for effective action. The CEJ further highlighted the urgency of stopping all illegal activities, including elephant hunting and the trapping of elephants and other wild animals. With over two decades of dedication to environmental justice and public welfare, the CEJ continues to advocate for meaningful change in protecting the island's wildlife.

"We believe you are aware of the growing conflict between wildlife and farming communities across the country. This problem did not happen overnight but has developed over time due to human actions that upset the balance of nature.

“Recently, protests have been taking place in different areas, seemingly led by people connected to the current government. Using these protests, politicians and their supporters, along with District and Divisional Secretaries, are varying out unplanned and unscientific activities. These include chasing away elephants and capturing them without approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Such actions put both people and animals in danger. There are also reports that the lands cleared of elephants might be given for commercial use," Withanage said.

He said these actions go against the national environmental policy the President had introduced through the National People's Power, and added, “We kindly ask you and the government to address this issue urgently. Please protect the lives of these animals and listen to advice from scientists, experts and environmental activists to solve the problems faced by farming communities due to wildlife.

“The CEJ has received information indicating that unqualified veterinarians and other groups are involved in current wildlife poaching activities.

“Additionally, we have learned that some local wildlife officers are supporting these elephant poaching activities without the knowledge of the Department of Wildlife Conservation's head office. We believe that promoting illegal wildlife practices in this manner is a highly irresponsible and reckless act.”