In brief
On November 2, 2026 the Ministry of Environment announced Hasthi Sena, a joint effort with the armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation to protect 17 at‑risk elephants and cover about 80 % of elephant‑habited areas. The operation will target illegal firearms, explosive bait, electric fences and snares. A secondary program will address the remaining 20 % of habitat.
Sri Lanka announced a nationwide operation called Hasthi Sena on Monday to protect elephants and curb human‑elephant conflict. The program, launched in the North‑Western Wildlife Region, is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The newly created initiative will focus first on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. Initial work is directed at zones with the highest counts of these large mammals, according to the Ministry.
Hasthi Sena is designed to cover some 80 % of the country’s elephant‑habited areas. The remaining 20 % of habitat will be addressed through a separate program, the ministry said.
Part of the operation’s strategy includes raids on illegal weapons and harmful traps. Authorities will take legal action against those using firearms, explosive bait known as “hakka patas,” unauthorized electric fences and snares that threaten elephants.
The Ministry of Environment, the armed forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation will share responsibilities. The armed forces are called in to provide support in areas where wildlife and human activity intersect, while the conservation department will oversee the ecological aspects of the program.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi highlighted that the operation is a step toward reducing violence between elephants and people. He said the Ministry will work closely with local authorities and wildlife experts to ensure a coordinated approach.
Community Impact
The initiative is expected to benefit communities living in close proximity to elephant habitats across the island. By removing illegal weapons and traps, the government hopes to reduce incidents that endanger both the animals and the people who depend on the land for farming, grazing and small businesses.
Local experts say the removal of electric fences and snares will improve safe migration routes for elephants, potentially lowering the risk of crop damage and property loss that frequently leads to conflict.
Farmers and indigenous groups living in the North‑Western Wildlife Region have long relied on the surrounding forests for timber, medicinal plants and cultural practices. The Hasthi Sena operation will involve consultation with these groups to ensure that conservation efforts respect traditional land use and ecological knowledge.
The ministry emphasized that the first phase of the operation will also include educational outreach. Community workshops will inform residents about how to coexist peacefully with elephants and the legal consequences of using harmful weapons.
Officials expect the program to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the country. If successful, the government plans to expand the coverage to include 100 % of national elephant habitat in the coming years.
