PM says Kavanthissa tragedy must not happen again, environmental laws to be enforced equally

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government was deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of the Tusker Kavanthissa, a national treasure who sustained severe injuries from gunshot wounds. She emphasised that environmental laws would be strictly enforced against those responsible for environmental crimes, without discrimination or favouritism.

She was speaking at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo on 19 October. The Central Environmental Authority under the Ministry of Environment organised the event for the 11th time.

Institutions recognised for their sustainable management of natural resources received 195 awards, comprising Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards. The Prime Minister participated in presenting the Gold Awards.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. Amarasuriya said: “A country’s prosperity is measured not only by its economic indicators. Clean air, safe drinking water and a healthy ecosystem are equally essential to ensuring a better quality of life for its people. The Clean Sri Lanka programme, launched with this objective, is not merely about cleaning roads. It is a national transformation aimed at reducing waste, ensuring proper waste management and changing the way we think about and treating the environment.”

“We cannot allow tragedies such as the one that befell Tusker Kavanthissa to happen again. Environmental laws must not be influenced by a person’s position, wealth or connections. The law will be enforced equally against everyone,” she said.

The Prime Minister said everything from the issuance of licences to the approval of projects must be carried out on the basis of scientific evidence and with complete transparency. Development achieved at the expense of environmental destruction can never be considered sustainable development, she said.

She said wildlife officers and veterinary teams made significant efforts to save the Tusker Kavanthissa. However, the Tusker could not be saved due to the severity of its injuries and the resulting infections. The Government was deeply saddened by this loss, she said. In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, veterinary care for wildlife and veterinary education would be further strengthened.

The Government has already taken a number of practical measures to address the long-standing human-elephant conflict, Dr. Amarasuriya said. Accordingly, 113 forest areas have been designated as reserves, bringing 71,900 hectares (approximately 180,000 acres) under protection. In addition, three elephant corridors are being established to facilitate the free movement of elephants, alongside a dedicated reserve for elephant management.

In order to strengthen the field operations of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, 100 pickup vehicles, 185 motorcycles and nine tractors have been provided. Furthermore, 3,500 elephant fence assistants and 5,000 members of the Civil Security Department have been deployed to maintain elephant fences.

Steps have also been taken to amend the National Environmental Act after 26 years. More than 1,600 new officers are being recruited to the Ministry of Environment.

“Environmental conservation must not be treated as a temporary project. It must become an essential component of government policy and the daily lives of every citizen,” the Prime Minister said. She said it was vital to support small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting green technologies, promoting practical environmental skills through school and university education, and fostering environmental responsibility through religious institutions.

“We seek the support and cooperation of the entire public to ensure that we leave behind a safe, beautiful and clean country for future generations,” she said.

The event was attended by Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi; Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti; Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody; Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K. R. Uduwawala; Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority, Professor Tilak Hewawasam; and a large gathering of government officials, foreign representatives and award recipients.