Death of iconic elephant in Sri Lanka pushes authorities to fast-track protection efforts

Galgamuwa, a rural village in Sri Lanka's North Western Province, is in mourning over the death of an iconic wild bull elephant named Kavantissa. Known for its gentle nature, Kavantissa had never attacked a human during its lifetime. It was so beloved by the locals that they named it after a king who ruled the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka's 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C.E.

Resident Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Jayathilaka Bandara, an ardent animal lover, and his friend Kumara dedicated their time and effort to protect Kavantissa. This protection was particularly important because the elephant was famous for crossing railway tracks in the town of Kasikote, located between Galgamuwa and Ambanpola. Kavantissa would often appear at the end of the herd, drawing crowds of elephant enthusiasts.

Bandara expressed his deep sorrow over Kavantissa's passing. He recalled the elephant's patience as it waited for the herd to cross the railway line before making its dramatic appearance. "Sometimes it would pause before crossing the road and journey toward the nearby Palukadawala tank," Bandara noted. "Perhaps that was its way of greeting me and Kumara." On occasion, Kavantissa would push an electric fence obstructing its path.