Police in Sri Lanka have arrested three men for allegedly burning a wild elephant with flaming torches, an incident that has sparked public outrage and underscored the deadly tensions between humans and wildlife in the region. The male elephant, named ‘Ambabo’, was found with severe burns and a gunshot wound in its front leg after villagers in the north attempted to chase it away, leading to its death despite veterinary care.
The incident occurred at Ambagahawela Junction in Sippukulama, Mihintale, where a video circulated on social media showing a group lighting torches and burning the critically ill elephant. This graphic footage triggered fierce backlash online, with many condemning the act as cruel and inhumane. Local media reported that the elephant had been receiving treatment for several days but succumbed to its injuries, with final rites performed on December 17.
Authorities arrested three suspects, aged between 42 and 50, on Thursday following the investigation. The arrests came after the video gained widespread attention, prompting police to take swift action. The suspects are accused of using flaming torches to burn the elephant while it lay incapacitated, an act that has been described as particularly brutal given the animal’s vulnerable state.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights advocates and social media users, leading to a petition demanding prosecution of the perpetrators and measures to prevent similar acts of cruelty. As of Thursday, the petition had garnered over 400 signatures, reflecting growing public concern over wildlife protection in Sri Lanka. Online discussions have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of laws against animal cruelty and better conflict resolution strategies.
Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka, where the majority Buddhist population reveres them as symbols of cultural and religious significance. Domesticated elephants often participate in ceremonies and are popular tourist attractions, yet wild elephants face increasing threats from human encroachment. Killing an elephant is a serious offence that can carry the death penalty under Sri Lankan law, as noted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of deadly encounters between humans and elephants in Sri Lanka. Nearly 400 elephants have died so far this year, with many deaths attributed to human activities such as shootings, train accidents, and the use of explosive baits known as ‘jaw bombs’ to protect crops. Concurrently, over 100 people have been killed in elephant attacks during the same period, illustrating the mutual dangers posed by habitat loss and conflict.
The arrests signal a potential turning point in addressing such conflicts, with authorities under pressure to ensure justice and implement preventive measures. Moving forward, there are calls for enhanced wildlife protection laws, community education programs, and better support for farmers to reduce reliance on harmful deterrents. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how Sri Lanka balances conservation efforts with human safety in regions where wildlife and communities intersect.
