Wild elephant threat ignored

People in Porathivupatru in Paduvankarai, Batticaloa live in fear due to the presence of wild elephants. Residents complain that elephants damage their crops and houses which affect their livelihood. Paduvankarai was one of the badly hit areas in Batticaloa during the war and people in the area depend on farming for their existence. People in the Porathivupatru Division have been the most affected due to the wild elephant threat.
Y. Rajinikanth, a resident said the destruction caused by the wild elephants had affected his livelihood and the livelihood of many others. “We have complained to the Divisional Secretariat officials, Batticaloa Parliamentarians and Wildlife officials on this issue. So far, we have not received any assistance from any of these officials despite urging them to erect electric fences around the vulnerable areas,” he said.

He added that the ‘thunder flash’ given to chase away the elephants proved futile as the animals were now acquainted to the method. K. Rohini, another affected resident lamented that she spent sleepless nights due to wild elephant threat and always kept vigil. “We are always vigilant after six in the evening. We want to sleep peacefully without any fear. Someone must help us,” she said.

Meanwhile, Batticaloa Government Agent, Sundaram Arumainayagam said that a 84 km fence was being erected from Vakarai to Pattippalai. However, he noted that Porathivupatru was not included in the project at present. It was also reported that the erection of electric fences would face problems due to monsoon rains.

http://www.nation.lk/2011/11/20/news.htm