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Two baby elephants die in Handapanagala drive

by Florence Wickramage

Residents in Handapanagala have confirmed the death of two baby elephants born during the unauthorised drive, environmental sources said.

The unlawful drive was highlighted in the Daily News yesterday.

The company responsible for the drive had engaged its veterinary surgeon, officials of the Wildlife office at Moneragala said.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) charged that several wildlife range officials who participated in previous Wildlife Department authorised elephant-drives obtained leave and had participate to this unlawful drive for monetary gains.

It is alleged that the Southern Region Deputy Director Wildlife Department was aware of the officials' participation.

This unlawful elephant drive commenced on the October 23 at Wellawaya amidst stiff resistance from animals.

The drive was however halted at Handapanagala due to an elephant giving birth.

It re-commenced on the 27th and continued until the Director of the Wildlife Conservation stopped it.

EFL said residents have reported about an incident last month, where a tusker was killed at Pelwatte Base road and the carcass burnt after removing the pair of tusks.

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