Spa Ceylon in forefront of helping to manage Human-Elephant Conflict

Sri Lanka's elephants are among its most powerful symbols of heritage and natural wealth.

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

They are also one of the island's most valuable economic assets, contributing directly and indirectly to tourism and rural livelihoods. Yet, the escalating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) continues to extract a devastating toll on both people and elephants, underlining the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

In a bid to draw fresh attention to this issue, Spa Ceylon, together with its conservation arm Ceylon Elephant Co. and in collaboration with the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), launched the Majestic Ceylon Elephant Photography Competition and Exhibition. The four-day event, which commenced on September 8 and runs until September 11 at Havelock City Mall, highlights both the beauty of the island's elephants and the reality of their survival amid conflict.

At the inauguration, Spa Ceylon Co-Founder and Group Director, Shalin Balasuriya, positioned the initiative as a deeper commitment to conservation beyond traditional corporate social responsibility.