Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The wild elephant 'Agbo', whose whereabouts had been the focus of a search operation, was located today (19 October) in the Nachchaduwa Ihattawa jungle area in the Anuradhapura District, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Army personnel.
Acting on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) directed the immediate deployment of Army personnel to support the search operation.
The deployment followed a request by the Minister of Environment. In response, the Ministry of Defence took prompt measures to coordinate the deployment of military personnel to assist wildlife officials in their efforts to locate the elephant.
Accordingly, an initial platoon of 30 Sri Lanka Army personnel was deployed for the operation. The strength of the deployed troops was subsequently increased to approximately 56 personnel to intensify the search and support the relevant authorities in locating the wild tusker.
Army troops from the 21 Division, under the guidance of its General Officer Commanding, Major General Kaminda Silva, led the search operation. Drones operated by the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force were also deployed to support the search efforts and assist in locating the elephant.
The Army personnel worked in close coordination with wildlife officials, providing manpower and operational support throughout the search operation in the forested area.
As per the Wildlife Range Officer responsible for the area, has confirmed that the tusker is in good health and safe.
The operation highlights the Ministry of Defence's prompt coordination under the Defence Secretary's direction and the Sri Lanka Army's commitment to supporting civilian authorities in matters of national importance.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
