Wild elephants cause damage to paddy fields

A herd of wild elephants that raided the paddy fields in Digawapi had caused extensive damage to crops and even to machinery in the threshing floors. The owner of a mechanical reaper destroyed by the jumbos said the machine had not been insured and that he incurred a loss of Rs.3.5 million.

The wild elephants had attacked wayside stalls in Digawapia selling refreshments to the travellers. Residents of the area said the herd had pulled down the electric fence and made their way into the villages.

Ampara District Asst.director of Wildlife Conservation K.g.wickremetilleka said steps were now being taken to erect a new electric fence to resolve the issue.