Dear Mr. President,

We, the undersigned, write to you today to bring your immediate attention to a grave and pressing issue - the alarming rate of elephant deaths due to illegal electricity lines in Sri Lanka.

As stewards of a land graced by the magnificent Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus), a subspecies of Asian Elephants native to our island and an endangered species, we are at a critical juncture. Sri Lanka boasts the highest density of Asian Elephants globally, yet we face a dire crisis: more than 400 elephants are being killed annually, with 422 fatalities in 2022 and an unprecedented 476 deaths in 2023.

The primary cause of these tragic losses is the illegal and hazardous use of main grid electricity by individuals to protect their croplands, a practice that is not only unlawful but profoundly unethical. It is distressing to note that the Ceylon Electricity Board, The Sri Lanka Police, and The Department of Wildlife have been lethargic in enforcing laws against such wildlife crimes. This lack of stern action has not only exacerbated the situation but also betrayed our duty as a nation to protect these gentle giants.

As per our constitution and various international treaties and conventions, the government of Sri Lanka is bound to safeguard these magnificent creatures. Elephants are not only a vital part of our ecosystem, serving as keystone species crucial for the well-being of our diverse flora and fauna, but they also play a significant role in our culture, heritage, and economy. From being an integral part of our festivals and traditions to contributing millions in foreign income through eco-tourism and wildlife tourism, their value is immeasurable.

We urgently call upon you and your administration to:

• Strengthen Legal Protections for Elephants: Enhance the legal framework to protect our elephants considering their contribution to the national economy. They contribute significantly to the economy through wildlife tourism, bringing in an estimated USD 21,000 (approx. Rs. 6 million) annually per elephant. They are a keystone & umbrella species deserving of robust protection.
• Enforce Existing Laws on Electricity Misuse: Implement strict enforcement of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act to prevent the misuse of main grid electricity for unauthorized purposes, such as illegal electric fences that harm wildlife.
• Disconnect electricity connections for illegal use: In addition to legal prosecution and imposing fines, permanently disconnect the electrical connections of individuals who use the main electrical grid for illegal activities such as unauthorized electric fences, in violation of consumer agreements.

As citizens deeply concerned about the legacy we leave for future generations, we implore you to act now. The time to save our elephants is not tomorrow – it is today.

Thank you,

Nature loving citizen,