Sri Lanka repairs half of 837km of cyclone damaged elephant fences: Minister

Jan 6, 2026 12:45 PM

by

Sienna De Silva

FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka has successfully repaired or restored approximately half of the 837 kilometers of elephant fencing that was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, according to Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi. Efforts are being accelerated to complete the repairs on the remaining sections.

“The cyclone not only destroyed the fences but also damaged the elephants’ habitats and altered their travel paths,” he told reporters. “This disruption has increased interactions between elephants and humans, intensifying the elephant-human conflict.”

The minister emphasized that the resulting situation has led to more fatalities on both sides, underscoring the urgent need to expedite the restoration of the fences.

(Colombo/Jan 6/2026)

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