In brief
The Ministry of Environment announced the Hasthi Sena operation, focusing on 17 at‑risk elephants in the North‑Western Wildlife Region and planned to cover about 80% of elephant‑habited areas. The program, a joint effort with the armed forces and Department of Wildlife Conservation, will also target illegal firearms, explosive bait, electric fences and snares. The launch was reported by Xinhua on Nov. 2, 2026.
On Nov. 2, 2026, Sri Lanka announced the launch of the Hasthi Sena operation, an island‑wide effort to protect elephants and reduce human‑elephant conflict, as reported by Xinhua.
The initiative began in the North‑Western Wildlife Region and is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Environment, the armed forces, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the initial phase will focus on 17 elephants identified as at risk, and the program is expected to cover about 80% of areas inhabited by elephants.
Authorities will also carry out raids and take legal action against the use of illegal firearms, explosive bait known as “hakka patas,” unauthorized electric fences and snares that threaten elephants.
