Farmer organisation builds its own electric fence
With the aim of minimising the human-elephant conflict the Siri Parakum Farmer Organisation of Kawanthissa Pura in the Serunuwara Divisional Secretariat Division spearheaded the construction of an electrical fence, with their own funds to drive away wild elephants that constantly harm their agricultural activities. This electrical fence extends to a distance of 4 kilometres and protects 33 acres of cultivated lands in Serunuwara, Thanga Nagar, and Kiliveddy areas under Kawanthissa Pura Grama Niladari divisions. This electrical fence was declared open by the Eastern Province Chairperson Ms Ariyawathie Galappaththi.
The president of t he Siri Perakum farmer organisation H.A. Sisira Kumara opined that initially funds of the organisation was used in designing the fence, thereafter t hey received Rs 100,000 from the Chairperson of the Provincial Council, the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabah and the governor provided materials for the erection of this fence.
In all, t hey had spent Rs 350,000 to complete the fence.
“Almost daily we suffered destruction to our farm plots by the attacks of the roaming herd of wild elephants, we appraised this position to the authorities, but remedial action was getting inordinately delayed. So we took upon us this challenge and now we are happy that today we are able to reap the fruits of our labour, we have saved many thousands of rupees and also saved our crops and lives as well,” Sisira Kumara said further.
Ms Galappaththi speaking on the occasion said that in this area the human-elephant conflict was intense and the farmers could not wait any longer until the government heeded their request and construct this fence.