Sarath Fonseka wants human-elephant conflict resolved by military forces

• Says they would be more efficient in this matter
• Electric fences which are broken by the elephants are not repaired

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Handover the task of maintaining electric fences to security forces as they are capable of resolving the human-elephant conflict, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka said yesterday.

 Speaking during the committee stage debate on the budget in Parliament, Field Marshal Fonseka who was one-time Army Commander said forces will resolve the human-elephant conflict within a few years. “The military forces would be more efficient in this matter,” he said.

“Some of the electric fences which are broken by the elephants are not repaired, creating more problems,” he said. Quoting some reports, the MP said 390 elephants have been killed during the 11 months this year while 125 humans have also been killed.

Further, the MP alleged that those who steal elephant calves are allowed to get away. “More prominent members of clergy than Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera are also engaged in stealing elephants,” he said.