The Department of Wildlife Conservation has decided to take legal action against drivers who illegally feed wild elephants along the Kataragama–Buttala Road.
Wildlife officials say that feeding elephants either after getting out of vehicles or from inside vehicles has caused the animals to become accustomed to staying near the road.
Officials have pointed out that this has led to an increase in incidents involving wild elephants and vehicles.
Around eight wild elephants are currently said to have become accustomed to stopping vehicles and receiving food along the road.
More than 2,000 vehicles travel along the road daily, which falls within Zone 02 of Yala National Park.
It has been reported that three women and two men have died in wild elephant attacks along the road during the past six years. More than 100 vehicles are also reportedly damaged each year.
Uva Province Assistant Director of Wildlife W. A. Indrajith said vehicles involved in feeding wild elephants will be recorded on video, and legal action will be taken against the individuals concerned under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance for causing harm to wildlife.
