Caution: Nandimithra may peep into your vehicle for food

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

In response to a video circulating on social media, the Yala National Park administration has urged the public not to feed Nandimithra, the tusker is known for forcefully reaching out to vehicles for food.  

The Yala National Park warden mentioned that the practice of people feeding the elephant has led to the current situation. No injuries caused by the elephant to people have
been recorded.   

The tusker does not intend to harm anyone, but when it inserts its trunk into vehicles, its tusks can get entangled.

A video circulating on social media depicts the elephant searching for food in vehicles. Simultaneously, the park warden revealed that a designated wildlife vehicle has been deployed to patrol the roads leading to Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya.    The elephant is frequently spotted on the Kataragama-Sithulpawwa road and Tissa-Sithulpawwa road.   

The park warden also noted similar incidents along the Buttala-Kataragama road, where people face challenges after feeding elephants. 

• The elephant is frequently spotted on the Kataragama-Sithulpawwa road and Tissa-Sithulpawwa road