In an unexpectedly colorful turn during a recent parliamentary debate, former Minister of Wildlife Protection, Wimalaweera Dissanayake, dropped a bombshell comparison that left attendees both bemused and concerned. He likened the disruptive antics of wild elephants in Sri Lanka to the infamous guerrilla tactics of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). “Just like the LTTE, these elephants are making it impossible for us to get a good night’s sleep!” he exclaimed, highlighting the sleepless nights suffered by residents in elephant-frequented areas.
Dissanayake elaborated on the elephantine problem, saying, “You can’t even step outside for a midnight snack without wondering if an elephant is lurking in the bushes!” This comparison, while stark, humorously underscored the constant vigilance required by villagers living in these conflict zones.
Selective Pachyderm Pardons?
He further revealed a curious anomaly in elephant behavior—apparently, homes of individuals who have secured court injunctions seem to be mysteriously spared by the elephants, almost as if the animals had a legal understanding themselves. “Maybe these elephants are more law-abiding than we thought!” Dissanayake quipped, suggesting a need for a revision of current wildlife management strategies.
Urgent Calls Amidst Light-Hearted Analogies
Despite the light-hearted analogy, Dissanayake’s message carried a serious undertone about the need for effective and fair solutions to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. “We need action that’s as swift as an elephant charge but as wise as an elephant’s memory,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of finding a balance that protects both the rural communities and the majestic wildlife that strays too close.
