Sri Lanka's human-elephant conflict hits breaking point: WNPS demands action, not excuses

AS Sri Lanka marks World Elephant Day, the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS) underscores both the urgency of the human-elephant conflict (HEC) crisis and the practical solutions underway to address it.

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Between 2000 and 2024, Sri Lanka lost approximately 6,470 elephants, according to data from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Despite ongoing efforts, these devastating losses show no signs of slowing, highlighting the critical need for stronger conservation measures and innovative strategies to address HEC and safeguard both elephant and human lives. Alarmingly, the first six months of 2025 have already seen over 250 elephant deaths, a stark reminder that peaceful coexistence remains one of the country’s most urgent and complex conservation challenges.

Action, not rhetoric

The WNPS Human-Elephant Coexistence Subcommittee has consistently pressed for the full implementation of the National Action Plan for the Mitigation of Human-Elephant Conflict (NAP), calling for a Presidential Task Force with the authority and funding to drive policy into practice. Despite delays, the Society's leadership continues high-level engagement with government officials, pushing for urgent adoption of long-term mitigation strategies.

Community-centred, science-driven solutions

Notable successes in sustainable HEC management:

Light Repel System (LRS) trials — Operating with 82% effectiveness across six districts, the LRS deters elephants from crop raids using solar-powered light technology. WNPS is maintaining existing systems, expanding monitoring, and preparing peer-reviewed research for publication in 2025.