Minister of Wildlife and Irrigation, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, has proposed a debate on the subject of relocating hotels and other constructions near elephant corridors. This proposal comes after a report by the Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Environment suggested the relocation and the implementation of a fee for these establishments. Ajith Mannaperuma, the chairman of the committee, stated that the report highlights the need for relocation due to the ongoing elephant-human conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of 367 elephants and 167 individuals. The report also reveals that elephants primarily cause damage to plantations and crop storages in households, and some electric fences meant to prevent elephant movements are improperly placed within forests. Minister Wanniarachchi responded by denying the existence of electric fences in the middle of forests and refuting claims that the private sector is responsible for their installation. She emphasized the importance of addressing the human-elephant conflict and suggested that Parliament hold a debate on the matter.
