4 Teams, Including the CID, Intensify Investigations into the Death of Elephant Kavanthissa

22-Oct-2026

.

Four separate teams, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), have intensified investigations into the death of elephant Kavanthissa, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

He made these remarks at the weekly Cabinet decisions briefing held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo on October 20, 2026.

The Minister stated that two suspects had been arrested following confidential information received from the public by the Western Province Wildlife Office. Explosives and weapons were recovered from the residence of the first suspect. Both suspects, who were produced before the court, have been remanded until October 28.

In accordance with a court order, the responsibility for preparing the post-mortem report on elephant Kavanthissa has been entrusted to the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Peradeniya. The report is expected to be submitted to the court shortly.

To ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly, without interference from officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, a committee comprising the Director of the National Zoological Gardens Department, a director from the Ministry of Environment and three senior lecturers from the University of Peradeniya has been appointed. The committee is currently conducting its investigation.

In addition, the President has appointed a special six-member committee comprising experts in wildlife and environmental affairs. The CID is also conducting further investigations into the incident.

The Minister stated that stringent legal action would be taken at the next stage based on the evidence gathered.