Two Wild Elephants Electrocuted by Illegal Crop Fence in Buttala

Two wild elephants, an adult and a calf, have died from electrocution in the Okkampitiya area of Buttala. Wildlife officials suspect the animals came into contact with an illegally laid electric wire fence set up to protect crops, including sugarcane, paddy, and coconut. The deceased elephants are reported to be approximately one year old and twenty years old. In connection with the incident, a suspect, identified as the land's caretaker, has been arrested, while the landowner reportedly fled the area. A post-mortem examination is scheduled, and joint investigations by police and wildlife authorities are ongoing.