Sanctuary to conserve elephants

Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister SM Chandrasena, told the Daily News the government would set up a sanctuary in the Anuradhapura district in the North Central Province, as part of the elephant conservation programme.

The sanctury would cost the government Rs. 250 million, while the land for the elephant sanctuary would be located in an extent of 3,000 acres in the Horowpathana area.

Minister Chandrasena said monies collected from foreigners and visitors to the sanctuary, would be used to maintain it and for the welfare of the elephants, which would in turn help develop the tourism industry.

The food for the elephants would be purchased from the people of the area, he said.

Statistics have revealed the human-elephant conflict has resulted in the killing of a number of elephants during the past few years. The government has taken measures to protect humans and elephants, while minimizing human-elephant conflicts.(PK)