Protecting Sri Lanka’s Elephants from Garbage-Related Deaths

Protecting Sri Lanka’s Elephants from Garbage-Related Deaths

Protecting Sri Lanka’s Elephants from Garbage-Related Deaths

The Centre for Justice (CfJ) is dedicated to championing public interest causes and addressing social justice issues in Sri Lanka. One of our critical initiatives aims to protect elephants, one of the country’s most iconic and beloved species, from preventable deaths caused by human negligence.

The Issue: Elephant Deaths Due to Garbage Consumption

At the Pallekadu Garbage Disposal Facility in Oluvil, Ampara District, mismanagement and lack of proper waste disposal measures have led to tragic consequences. Since 2017, five elephants have died from consuming hazardous materials at this facility. Elephants, drawn to the site in search of food, ingest plastics and toxic substances, which lead to fatal health complications. These preventable deaths highlight a severe oversight by the responsible authorities.

The Legal Action: CfJ’s Public Interest Litigation

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, CfJ has filed a Writ Application in the Court of Appeal under Article 140 of Sri Lanka’s Constitution. This action seeks to compel the relevant authorities, including the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Central Environmental Authority, and local government bodies, to fulfill their statutory duties:

1. Implement Recycling Mechanisms: Establish viable waste management systems in the Ampara District, particularly at the Pallekadu facility, to eliminate garbage-related risks to wildlife.
2. Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict: Address broader concerns of human-elephant conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of 422 elephants and 150 humans in the Eastern region between 2018 and 2023.
3. Wildlife Protection: Set up dedicated wildlife offices along Ampara’s coastal belt to respond to and mitigate conflicts between humans and elephants.

Our Appeal to the Public

Elephants are a national treasure and a symbol of our heritage. Their survival is intricately linked to the health of Sri Lanka’s environment. We urge individuals, communities, and organizations to support CfJ’s efforts by spreading awareness, advocating for stronger environmental policies, and contributing resources to safeguard our wildlife.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a country where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. Support our cause to protect elephants from the devastating impacts of human negligence.