“Reports of a possible baby elephant abduction racket had been in the air for quite some time. It is believed that baby elephants are isolated from their herds and then stealthily transferred to different locations. The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC)’s Flying Squad had been investigating this for a long time when they received a tip about the elephant held on a private estate.” - The Sunday Times

“It is quite a feat to get inside an elephant’s mind, to discover without interaction with the imposing and intimidating animal, the trials and tribulations it faces in daily life; its wants and needs. “Tranquil Footsteps” is one man’s effort to help us achieve that. Through his book, which follows one herd of elephants living within the sanctuary of the Uda Walawe National Park, Srilal Miththapala not only affords the reader valuable and interesting information about this most majestic member of the animal kingdom, but also gives him insight into the creature’s mind and heart.” - The Sunday Times Online

“Elephants are falling victim to an improvised explosive, Hakka Patas, used by poachers in wildlife parks” - The Sunday Times Online

“An elephant has been taken to court, not just any court but the highest in the land, the Supreme Court. Asokamala, born and bred at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, has kicked up dust being in the centre of a controversy over whether she should be ?exported? as a gift from Sri Lanka to Armenia.” - The Sunday Times

“She is a tragic reminder of the cost of war. ‘Sama’, the Pinnawela elephant who lost part of her right front leg, below the knee to a land mine. Today she hops around on three legs to keep up with the other jumbos at the elephant orphanage. Veterinarians fear that her lifespan may be short as she may develop spinal problems due to her abnormal gait. Wildlife is an overlooked casualty in the country’s two-decades-long civil war. Sri Lanka’s elephant population in the war-torn areas has increasingly become victims of the war. Since the Mavilaru battle last year, nearly 15 elephants have suffered injuries after stepping on anti-personnel mines in the Eastern Provi” - The Sunday Times Online

“Following the footprints of Asia?s majestic beast, Thusitha Ranasinghe, founder of Eco Maximus will be collecting elephant dung from intense human ? elephant conflict areas to be turned into paper and sent to over 10 countries around the world. Eco Maximus is venturing into Dambulla trying to add economic value to the animal which is regarded as a pest and detested in the area.’ - The Sunday Times Online

“The Cabinet has approved the gifting of an elephant to Armenia while Wild Life officials were still studying the suitability of the weather and other conditions for the animal. The move has drawn angry responses from various groups closely following the issue of gifting the elephant Asokamala.” - The Sunday Times Online

“The Cabinet has approved the gifting of an elephant to Armenia while Wild Life officials were still studying the suitability of the weather and other conditions for the animal. The move has drawn angry responses from various groups closely following the issue of gifting the elephant Asokamala.” - The Sunday Times

“Sports and Recreation Minister Gamini Lokuge is to travel to Armenia later this month to hand over an elephant as a gift from Sri Lanka ignoring warnings from animal rights activists and without the sanction of the Wild Life Department. Mr. Lokuge confirmed to The Sunday Times that he was planning the visit and had been informed that the Armenian government was preparing a national ceremony to receive the elephant.” - The Sunday Times Online

“A private agricultural farm that is coming up in a major elephant corridor between the Wasgamuwa and Maduru Oya national parks could precipitate the human-elephant conflict in the future, environmentalists have warned.” - The Sunday Times Online

“The conservation of a species necessitates the provision of all resources (habitat, security, food, water etc.) necessary to maintain a stable population into the long-term future. Conservation has two aspects; one is the protection of the species and the other, scientific management of the species and the resources necessary for its conservation. The continued existence of the Asian elephant in the wild is threatened not only by the actions of some but also due to others not taking any action.” - The Sunday Times Online

“A mahout at the annual Dalada Poson Perehera in Kurunegala was injured last Friday night when he was attacked by one of three elephants who ran amok.” - The Sunday Times Online

According to the assessment, there is an elephant path between the Maduruoya forest and the Nilgala Ganga. So there would be disastrous consequences if it was blocked as it will affect the route of the wild elephants,? he said - The Sunday Times Online - Sri Lanka

“Is the very move - relocating elephants in the national parks - aimed at protecting these majestic animals killing them? Kumudini Hettiarachchi reports on a visit to the Lunugamvehera National Park where elephants appear to be dying of starvation.” - The Sunday Times - Sri Lanka

“Is there a permanent solution not only to this elephantine problem but also concrete measures that could be taken to conserve this majestic beast, which Sri Lankans are passionate about but at the same time shoot or harm mercilessly to die after much agony and suffering?” - The Sunday Times Online

“Our best ever sport or just a toffs? day out? Dean Nelson grabs a pith helmet and heads for the Elephant Polo World Cup in Nepal” - Sunday Times