COLOMBO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Monday launched an island-wide operation to protect elephants and reduce human-elephant conflict, the Ministry of Environment announced.
The operation, named "Hasthi Sena," began in the North-Western Wildlife Region and is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the initial phase would focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk.
He said the program was expected to cover about 80 percent of areas inhabited by elephants, while the remaining 20 percent would be addressed under a separate program.
Authorities will also carry out raids and take legal action against those using illegal firearms, explosive bait known as "hakka patas," unauthorized electric fences and snares that threaten elephants. ■
