President appoints expert committee to investigate tusker Kavanthissa’s death

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate all aspects of the death of the tusker Kavanthissa, develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme. The tusker died in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around 16 October 2026.

The committee is chaired by former Ministry Secretary A. H. Sarath Wijesinghe. Its members are Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A. G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U. K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Attorney-at-Law Charaka Jayaratne. Additional Secretary to the President W. W. Harrison will serve as coordinator.

The committee is to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kavanthissa’s death, including its immediate and underlying causes, and determine whether any lapses or negligence occurred during its treatment. It will also develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme. It is authorised to seek assistance from both local and international experts in carrying out its work.

The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days. The report will include its final findings on tusker Kavanthissa’s death, a proposed framework for standard operating procedures on wild elephant welfare and recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme.