Importance of Elephant

The world elephant day falls on August 12 each year. Elephant lovers of all over the country commemorate that day with a significant enthusiasm. sri lanka has a historical and cultural relationship with the Elephants. 

According to the MAHAWANSHAYA (Mahāvaṃsa - Wikipedia) king DUTUGAMUNU had used a tusker named KANDULA and battle was won with the King ELARA who was ruling the Anuradhapura Kingdom with the help of KANDULA.

Our country has become a tourist attraction due to his natural beauty and cultural Importance. Foreign Tourists as well as local tourists prefer to watch wild elephants who behave in their natural habitats in natural parks. They usually go to see the elephants by safari jeeps to observe their natural activities. Furthermore, Srilanka is able to earn significant portion of foreign currency because of the elephants. on the other hand, job opportunities have been directly opened due to the elephant related activities, Such as safari jeeps, adventure hotels  etc.




Human Elephant Conflict

However Elephant population are gradually declined.as a matter of fact, at present there are only about 3000 elephants in srilanka and SriLankan elephants have been identified as an endangered Species. The Main reason of elephant deaths is the Human Elephant Conflict (HEC)we can identify the main reason of the HEC is  land encroachment of the elephant. Gradually Wild lives Habitats have been encroached by the people. people destroyed the natural habitats of the Elephants, and they are establishing the villages into the jungles.
 meanwhile, Large number of elephants were killed for tusks and huge number of elephants have been died due to the train Accidents. elephants also encroach on farms, and they destroy the harvest too. Therefore, farmers shoot them to protect their crops. no one has given the positive solution for this confrontation between human and elephant.

Conclusion

However, we have number of natural parks across the country such as Yala,Udawalawa,Minneriyaand wasgamuwaAs the Historical and Cultural Importance of the elephants, it is our duty to Protect These Precious Gift for the benefit of tourists and Generations to come.