Jumbo ordeal in Kalawewa

Dharma Sri Abeyratne and Ananda Pathiraja North Central Provincial Corespondent

A wild elephant was dragged away by a strong current in the Kalawewa which is overflowing following the recent heavy rains. The beast was trying to enter the Galkiriyagama by going through the tank when it was caught in a huge whirlpool.

The elephant had been dragged away through the sluice gates of the Kalawewa. The incident occurred around 8.00 a.m yesterday.

Following the mishap, the two sluice gates were opened to release the water to the Rajanganaya reservoir. Officers of the Mahaweli Authority have taken immediate steps to close the sluice gates after they were informed of the incident.

The elephant is reported to be lying near Kalawewa with injuries. According to sources, the beast had broken a leg during the ordeal. Officers of Mahaweli authority and Kekirawa police have informed the North Western Province Wildlife Conservation office to treat the elephant to save its life.