Nation that lets its elephants die has lost its soul

I write this with deep sadness and outrage. As of 15 June, 236 elephants have been killed this year alone, that’s more than one elephant every single day. And many of these deaths are not natural. They are brutal, painful, and preventable.

- By Shiromi Masakorala

This is not just a tragedy. This is a crime against our nation. We are losing one of our greatest treasures, our elephants, due to shortsighted decisions, political greed, and sheer negligence.

Majority are Buddhist in this country. We speak of compassion. Our monks preach loving kindness. But what have we learned if we silently watch these magnificent beings suffer and die in agony? Isn't this a direct insult to the Buddha’s teachings?

The Government holds the responsibility to protect our wildlife. These they wander hungry, desperate and then they are killed. This is cruelty. This is State-sponsored extinction.