Calling on International Elephant Conservation Organizations to Stand with Sri Lankan people.

A Petition to End the Killing of Elephants in Sri Lanka

To the Government of Sri Lanka, the Minister of Wildlife, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and all relevant authorities,

The tragic death of KAWANTHISSA, a majestic elephant shot and killed, must not be allowed to become just another forgotten tragedy.

Our elephants are not merely wild animals. They are a living part of Sri Lanka’s heritage, culture, history, and natural identity. They deserve to live freely, safely, and with dignity in the land they have shared with us for generations.

We, the undersigned, demand urgent and meaningful action.

We call for the following:

Strict no  guns in farming areas. Farmers should not be permitted to possess or use firearms to kill or injure elephants.  
A lawful, non lethal measures introduced to manage human-elephant conflict.

Life imprisonment for the deliberate killing of an elephant. We call for the introduction of legislation providing life imprisonment for the intentional shooting and killing of an elephant, subject to due process and appropriate legal safeguards. The killing of these magnificent creatures must carry consequences that reflect the seriousness of the crime.

A  full and independent investigation into KAWANTHISSA’s death. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, the response to the injured elephant, and the veterinary care provided must be thoroughly investigated. Anyone found to have committed serious professional misconduct or negligence must be held accountable.

Ministerial accountability. We call on the Minister responsible for Wildlife to accept responsibility for the failures that allowed this tragedy to occur and to resign if those failures demonstrate a serious breach of duty.

Accountability within the veterinary service. Any veterinary personnel whose actions or omissions contributed to Kawanthissa’s suffering or death must face an independent professional investigation and appropriate disciplinary action where wrongdoing is established.

Effective protection for all elephants. The government must strengthen wildlife protection, improve emergency veterinary response, and invest in humane, evidence based solutions to human-elephant conflict so that both people and elephants can live safely.
Safe guard Elephant habitat. Ban illegal farming.

How many more magnificent creatures must die before meaningful action is taken?

KAWANTHISSA  cannot be brought back. But his death  must be the turning point that compels our leaders to act, our institutions to take responsibility, and our nation to recognize that protecting wildlife is not optional.

Sri Lanka’s elephants are a national treasure. Their lives are precious. Their future is in our hands.

Let us stand together for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Let us demand justice for KAWANTHISSA.

Let us protect our majestic heritage.