Habarana elephant deaths report to be released

Colombo (News 1st): The Government Analyst's Department states the reason for the deaths of six female elephants and a bull elephant in Digampathana, Thumbikulama forest reserve in Habarana will be released this week. A spokesman for the department said it would release the report after investigations using the body parts of the six deceased female elephants and the male elephant, conclude adding investigations are currently underway. The Government Analyst's Department said seven officers have been assigned to carry out investigations. Meanwhile, the report of the committee appointed by the Director-General of Wildlife stated the cause of the deaths of the elephants in the Digampathaha, Thumbikulam reserve in Habarana was due to toxic chemicals being ingested. The remains of the animals have been referred to the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Peradeniya and the Veterinary Research Institute for further investigations into the cause of the deaths.