Elephant attack kills 17 year old girl in Hasalaka

The ever-intensifying Human-Elephant conflict in Sri Lanka claimed another life today (28th). 

17-year-old Anuththara Idunil, a resident of Yaya 5 in Hasalaka left home early this morning, carrying the alms for her brother's 7-day remembrance. Her brother had lost his life just over a week ago in an untimely manner. 

But, Anuththara was unable to complete her journey, facing a tragic demise when a Wild Elephant attacked her. 

Anuththara succumbed to her fatal injuries although she was rushed to hospital. 

Area residents lament, authorities have continuously failed to erect a functional protective fence surrounding their village, although encroachments by Wild Elephants are commonplace.

Farming is the livelihood of this community who is compelled to shoulder the additional burden of ensuring their village is safe from roaming Elephants. 

Their only question is, how many more invaluable lives like that of Anuththara must be snatched for this conflict to be resolved?