Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (26) handed over a letter to British High Commissioner in Colombo Andrew Patrick addressed to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Prince William, requesting his invaluable support to safeguard Sri Lanka’s free-ranging wild elephants — home to one of the largest Asian elephant populations.
They met at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo.
In the letter, Premadasa emphasised the escalating human–elephant conflict, which results in over 400 elephant fatalities and more than 150 human deaths each year, and highlighted the urgent need for a science-based national conservation strategy.
The Opposition leader proposed the establishment of a National Elephant Conservation & Coexistence Initiative (NECCI), aimed at uniting conservation experts, local communities, and international partners under a long-term, sustainable framework.
After meeting the British HC, Premadasa told the media:
“Sri Lanka’s elephants are not just our national heritage — they are a treasure of global biodiversity. With His Royal Highness’s leadership and conservation network, we can build a sustainable future for both wildlife and our communities.”
British High Commissioner said:
“The United Kingdom greatly values Sri Lanka’s unique wildlife and biodiversity. Protecting wild elephants — a global treasure — is not only vital for Sri Lanka but for the world. This initiative is both timely and necessary, and I commend the commitment to find lasting solutions for conservation and coexistence.”