By In a devastating accident on February 19, 2025, six elephants were killed after a collision with the ‘Meenagaya’ train near the Minneriya-Gal Oya station in Sri Lanka. Tragically, two humans also lost their lives in the incident, making it a calamity that has left Sri Lankans and foreign nationals alike deeply saddened.
Why Are Elephants Dying in Record Numbers in Sri Lanka?
Elephant deaths in Sri Lanka have reached alarming levels, sparking widespread concerns. In the first 50 days of 2025 alone, 65 elephant deaths have been reported, with 9 of them resulting from train collisions. This highlights the growing threat to Sri Lanka’s elephant population and has raised questions about the failure of existing wildlife protection measures.
A Deadly Train Collision: What Happened on February 19?
The tragedy occurred late in the night when the ‘Meenagaya’ train, traveling from Colombo to Madakalapuwa, struck a herd of elephants near the 140 km point between Minneriya and Gal Oya stations. Among the casualties were three elephant calves and two adult female elephants. The collision left one more adult female and a calf injured. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed that emergency treatment is being provided to the surviving elephants.
The Increasing Number of Elephant Deaths: A Yearly Tragedy
The number of elephant deaths in Sri Lanka has been on the rise in recent years, with 3,477 elephants killed over the past decade. This year’s increase in fatalities, especially from train collisions, has prompted authorities to reevaluate existing wildlife safety protocols.
Immediate Action Plan: Will Sri Lanka Prevent More Elephant Deaths?
Following the tragic incident, the government and wildlife authorities have been under pressure to implement more effective measures. Minister Dhamika Patabandige assured the public that immediate discussions are being held to come up with both short-term and long-term solutions to curb this crisis. Immediate actions are expected to be rolled out in the coming days to address the issue.
A Growing Crisis: What Needs to Change?
While past measures to protect elephants from train accidents have been attempted, many have either failed or been abandoned. The Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhamika Patabandige, has emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term solutions, including improving train lighting and reducing train speeds in critical areas. There are also talks of creating barriers or underpasses to allow elephants to safely cross railway tracks.
