Sri Lanka mourns iconic tusker amid renewed calls to address human-elephant conflict

COLOMBO – The death of Sri Lanka's renowned wild tusker, Kavantissa, due to a gunshot injury sparked an unprecedented outpouring of grief, political scrutiny, and criticism towards wildlife authorities. The majestic elephant's final days saw politicians, Buddhist monks, wildlife advocates, and veterinarians unite in a bid to save a giant who had won the hearts of many Sri Lankans.

A striking image of the country's opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, kissing the elephant's head went viral on social media, alongside Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi visiting the distressed tusker during a downpour. Buddhist monks chanted Pirith, traditional Buddhist verses meant to invoke blessings, while a notable businessman, Dudley Sirisena, offered to fund treatment, including the airlifting of a foreign veterinary team.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was among those who paid tribute to the magnificent tusker. Kavantissa's demise prompted widespread public interest, as evidenced by a surge in online searches for his name on Google Trends, with Sri Lankans actively seeking information about the elephant since the news of his critical condition broke.

Despite the best efforts of wildlife veterinarians, Kavantissa succumbed to cardiac arrest on October 16 evening. Senior wildlife veterinary surgeons were on-site, with one reportedly attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by climbing onto the elephant's chest. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the tusker passed away at approximately 6:18 p.m. His death led to widespread grief and frustration, with many demanding accountability from the Department of Wildlife Conservation.