Why Prince William's support could be a turning point for Sri Lanka's elephants

SRI Lanka, famed for its biodiversity and cultural heritage, faces an unprecedented challenge: safeguarding its most iconic species — the Asian elephant.

- By Dilum Alagiyawanna

With over 6,000 wild elephants, the island harbours the largest population outside India, yet their survival is under severe threat. Every year, more than 400 elephants and 150 humans die due to escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC), driven by habitat loss, deforestation, and unplanned development. Conservationists warn that without decisive, coordinated action, Sri Lanka could lose half its elephant population within three decades.

In this pressing context, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has made a timely appeal to His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales, seeking his patronage and partnership in launching a National Elephant Conservation and Coexistence Initiative (NECCI).

Why Prince Williams involvement matters

This appeal is far more than symbolic. Prince William is one of the most influential global advocates for wildlife conservation, with a proven track record of transforming commitments into measurable outcomes: