Elephants destroy vegetable cultivations in Matale

A farming village and their lands in Naula, Matale from where the bulk of agricultural produce is supplied to the Dambulla Economic Centre is under threat from wild elephants.

Representatives of Ambana Farmers’ Organization also report an increase in damage to their farmlands caused by wild elephants after the construction of the Moragahakanda Reservoir.

Ambana Mahavelyaya, in the Naula Divisional Secretariat spans around a thousand acres which produces a variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, beans, gourds, watermelons, eggplants, fish, and chillies in addition to paddy harvesting.

An engaged member of the Ambana Farmers’ Organization, Mr. Y.M.S. Bandara said that elephants had entered the fields overnight and in addition to vegetable crops, three wild elephants had also destroyed nearly-harvested crops.

“Following the construction of the Moragahakanda reservoir, these elephant dangers arose. Elephants have brought harm to the nearby farmlands as well as the homes because of the reservoir,” Mr. Bandara added.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation’s response was inadequate, which further caused frustration among the farmers as the elephants kept returning to the village.

Emphasizing the need for a precise mechanism, they requested a solution.

“Public representatives prioritize votes over people. There is no point in bringing up the elephant problem with the wildlife authorities and the Government, as we are constantly deceived,” asserted Mr. A.P. Kumara, a resident of the Senagama area in Ambana.

Text and pix by: Indika Aruna Kumara – Our Naula Correspondent

Damage caused by wild elephants