Herd of wild elephants cause havoc

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

A herd of wild elephants that roamed into Kottukachchiya, Wiharagama, Ranselama, Kiula and Dangahawala villages have caused havoc destroying cultivated land and home garden crops.   

Residents of the affected areas said the herd raided the villages at dusk for the last several days and that they were living in constant fear of any possible danger to their life.   

A farmer of of Dangahawala village T. N. Gayan Buddhika pointed out that the herd had pulled down mango, jak and coconut trees. He said they expected a bumper harvest of mangoes but all their hopes were shattered.   

He accused the wildlife conservators of turning a blind eye to the predicament facing the villagers.