With the objective of strengthening wildlife field operations in Sri Lanka, a fleet of 84 brand new single cabs was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Finding speedy solutions to the human-elephant conflict is stated to be a primary goal of this move.
The vehicles were officially handed over this morning (13) at the Toyota premises in Mahara, Kadawatha, under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody.
Key Points
- This is the largest single consignment of vehicles received by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in its history.
- With these new cabs, the department's total vehicle fleet rises to 294.
- Priority in distribution will be given to range offices in areas facing high human-elephant conflict and extensive forest damage.
Total Vehicle Fleet Rises to 294
It is reported that this marks the largest number of vehicles received at one time by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lankan history. Following this new addition, the department's total vehicle fleet has increased to 294.
Accordingly, it is revealed that the Wildlife Department now possesses 84 single cabs, 16 double cabs, 3 crew cabs, 181 motorcycles, 9 tractors, and 1 hand tractor.
More Strength for Emergency Operations
A programme is underway to resolve the long-standing resource shortage in the wildlife sector, and priority in assigning these vehicles has been given to range offices where the human-elephant conflict is severe and where forest destruction is frequent.
It was noted that the 84 cabs handed over today will ease transport difficulties faced by officers and enable prompt interventions during emergency operations. Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Udaya Kumara, Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe, Additional Director General Manjula Amararathna, the Chairman of Toyota Lanka, and several others were present on the occasion.
