A female elephant was killed and a 4-month-old elephant calf was severely injured after they were knocked down by Jaffna- Matara bound Rajina Express near Punewa Lake in Medawachchiya yesterday night. The female elephant was thrown into the Punewa Lake and died on the spot after being hit on the head.

After hours-long rescue operation launched by the Wild Life Officers of Horowpathana and Anuradhapura, the injured calf was rescued and sent to Elephant Transit Home for treatment.

Video by Romesh Madushanka