Ganewalpola and Ritigala Wildlife offices yesterday deployed three teams to search for a tusker named ‘Sumedha’ who had broken one of its tusks after colliding with a lorry travelling from Habarana to Horowpathana. The accident occurred near the Galapitagala 15/3 bridge.
Wildlife officials believe that according to the manner one of its tusks had been broken and lying on the road, the tusker might have sustained severe injuries. They say they are trying their best to find the tusker as early as possible to provide medical treatment.
‘Sumedha’ who roams around Minneriya and Kaudulla areas during a particular period in the year has met with this accident.
The tusker has become very popular among local and foreign tourists. Sumedha is the largest tusker who roamed in Minneriya and Kaudulla areas in the recent past. During the past few years, the tusker had roamed in Kalawewa, Kekirawa, Ganewalpola and Namal Uyana areas.
Wildlife officers said that the tusker roaming in unfamiliar territory may be one of the reasons for the accident. Sumedha is one of the largest tuskers in Sri Lanka. Police have arrested the lorry driver and cleaner.
