GeneralEnvironmentHOTMonday, April 6, 2026

Multiple Fatalities Reported in Wild Elephant Attacks Across Sri Lanka

TLDR

Five individuals killed in recent wild elephant attacks across Sri Lanka.
Two men died in Eppawala, one in Priyankara Gama from initial attacks.
Wildlife worker (34) killed in Wanathavilluwa on April 10, 2026.
H.M. Sumanaratne (51/53) died in Mahaoya on April 15, 2026.

At least three individuals have died following separate wild elephant attacks reported across Sri Lanka. Two men, aged 36 and 48, were killed in the Keleamunukola area of Eppawala, Anuradhapura, while engaged in cultivation near a tank bund. They have been identified as Udaya Chandana Palugaswewa, a technical officer, and Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Mangala Prasad, a farmer. In a separate incident, Kirihamige Ranga Dharmachandra Kumara (51), a nursing assistant, died after an attack while gardening at his home in Priyankara Gama. Police also reported another fatality in the Wewagedara area of Mahiyanganaya, bringing the total confirmed deaths to at least three, with some reports indicating a fourth death in the Thanamalwila area.

3 Updates

Update #4\u00b7 Apr 16 · 7:32 AM

Regarding the April 15, 2026 incident in Mahaoya, new reports confirm that H.M. Sumanaratne was attacked by a wild elephant last night (April 15) while returning home after checking on cattle. His age was reported as 51 by one source and 53 by another. His residence was further specified as Unuwathura Bubula Mahathalawa. A post-mortem examination is pending for the victim.

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 16 · 6:17 AM

On April 15, 2026, another individual succumbed to a wild elephant attack in the Polgasthalawa reserve, Bogamuya area, Mahaoya, Ampara District. The victim, identified as H.M. Sumanaratne, a resident of Unuwathura Bubula aged 51-53, was reportedly attacked while returning home after checking on cattle within the reserve. Mahaoya police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 10 · 9:31 AM

A wildlife electric fence worker was killed in a wild elephant attack in Wanathavilluwa, Thewanuwara on April 10, 2026. The victim was identified as Warnakulasuriya Amila Sudesh Udrara, a 34-year-old father of two employed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. He was attacked after completing his duties on an electric fence.

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