10.04.2009

The Human-Elephant conflict is a little known consequence of human development and expansion into elephant habitats in parts of Sri Lanka. An estimated 150 elephants are killed annually, caught in traps, or otherwise killed in their interaction with humans. Often it is the result of their entering human settlements and causing damage whilst in search of food. Whilst the conflict has continued since the 1950s, it is made worse by a lack of knowledge and can be eased with better understanding of the nature of the majestic and gentle elephant and a more aggressive search for appropriate solutions. Dilmah Conservation has partnered with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Ministry of the Environment to address this issue with the establishment of the Elephant Information Centre. The Centre was constructed and equipped by Dilmah Conservation at the Elephant Transit Home adjacent to the Uda Walawe National Park, with the objective of sharing with students, researchers and tourists alike, information about the elephant whilst explaining the conflict and fuelling debate on how it might naturally be circumvented.

Dilmah Conservation was established by Dilmah Tea in 2007, an extension of the ethical, family company’s commitment to making its business a matter of human service. With the involvement and support of IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Dilmah Conservation is working towards more sustainable and responsible human interaction with the environment. Dilmah Conservation initiatives aim to engender respect for the environment and ensure its protection by encouraging a harmonious co-existence of man and nature. Dilmah maintains an emphasis on protecting the Asian Elephant, encouraging bio-diversity and the cultivation of traditional medicinal herbs in a sustainable manner.

With the encouragement of the Ministry of the Environment of Sri Lanka, and the support of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), Dilmah Conservation unveiled the Elephant Information Centre on 9th April 2009. The Centre is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, being a Resource Centre dedicated to Asian Elephants. Visitors to the centre can gain insight into the nature of the Asian Elephant, compare the Asian Elephant with its African counterpart, and understand the need for its conservation. The centre offers information in English, Sinhala and Tamil on elephant related topics including the conflict, the significance of elephants in human culture, elephants in captivity and the elephant habitat. In addition to the information, which is largely researched and provided by IUCN’s Dr. Devaka Weerakoon, a photographic exhibition of elephants will also be a feature of the Centre. A multimedia show about the Elephant in Sri Lanka will be supplemented by an interactive kiosk where students and other visitors to the Centre can study the elephant through fascinating facts about its habitat and behaviour. The Exhibition will include images from internationally renowned wildlife photographers such as Palani Mohan, Nihal Fernando amongst others.

Chief guest at the opening ceremony, Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources commented, “This centre is a gift from Dilmah not only to the park but also to future generations of this country as it is a centre of learning”. Also in attendance was Ananda Wijesooriya, Director General of DWLC and a team from Dilmah Conservation headed by Deputy Chairman, Himendra Ranaweera, and Director, Dilhan C. Fernando.

 The Elephant Information Centre is a part of the Elephant Transit Home in Uda Walawe. The Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) with the objective of rehabilitating and reintroducing orphaned elephants back into the wild. Each year approximately 10-15 juvenile elephants are orphaned, either by separation from their herd or the death of their mother. The Elephant Transit Home currently has 40 juvenile elephants in its care and is internationally acclaimed for its methods. The orphaned elephants are held in a large, jungle environment and have minimal contact with humans in order to make their eventual release into the wild a success. Dilmah Conservation is also assisting the DWLC in establishing facilities for the treatment of injured and sick elephants. 55 orphaned and rehabilitated elephants have hitherto been released into the Uda Walawe National Park where they are monitored with the aid of radio collars.
 
For more details please visit www.dilmahconservation.org