As part of a plan underway to strengthen human-elephant conflict mitigation efforts, 3,451 individuals have been given permanent appointments as multi-purpose development trainees in the Department of Wildlife Conservation as Electric Fence Maintenance Assistants (Grade III).
The official ceremony took place yesterday at the Ministry of Environment under the patronage of Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, with the participation of State Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala, and Director General of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe.
The appointments come as part of the government’s broader policy to provide 100,000 youth with permanent public sector jobs. “This is the first time, under the current government, that such a large number of individuals are being granted permanent appointments simultaneously,” said Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, addressing the gathering. “These recruits will play a crucial role in mitigating the national crisis of human-elephant conflict. We need their active and committed participation.”
Symbolic appointment letters were handed over to 50 recruits at the ceremony. Others will receive theirs at the provincial level.
Dr. Patabendi highlighted the government’s significant investment in electric fence infrastructure as a response to escalating human-elephant conflict across the country. “To date, 437 electric fences, stretching over 5,644 kilometers, have been constructed. We now have 647 power units in operation to energise these fences. The efficient upkeep of this infrastructure is critical to its success,” he noted.
He emphasised that the newly appointed officers will be tasked not only with fence maintenance, but also with playing a key role in protecting rural communities and wildlife alike.
Speaking at the event, State Minister Anton Jayakody reminded the appointees of their broader responsibility. “You are not just fence keepers. You are environmental guardians now. Your work supports the conservation of the entire ecosystem.”
The move is expected to significantly improve fence functionality, reduce crop and property damage, and save lives in rural communities long plagued by elephant intrusions.
By Ifham Nizam 