Deputy Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi told Parliament today that the Department of Wildlife Conservation has only 12 veterinarians to manage wildlife health across the country.

Responding to a question from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the human-elephant conflict, the minister noted the lack of support staff such as veterinary assistants, nurses, and technicians.

“Unlike in other countries, our veterinarians work alone, under challenging conditions and with limited resources,” he said, adding that these veterinarians were responsible for treating all kinds of animals, not just elephants.

Highlighting the growing strain on the system, he revealed that on July 10, all 12 vets were tasked with treating nine elephants suffering gunshot wounds.

“On the 10th July, these 12 veterinarians across the country had to treat 9 elephants with gunshot injuries. By 15th July, the number of injured elephants increased to 13,” he said.

The minister also suggested a possible organized effort to harm elephants, noting that all the animals had been shot in the same location—below the knee. (Newswire)

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