Sri Lanka, Nov. 10 -- The Court of Appeal today (10) dismissed without hearing a writ petition filed by the Vinivida Foundation, seeking to suspend the ongoing operation by wildlife authorities to drive away wild elephants that have entered villages into forest reserves in Hambantota.

The order was issued by a bench comprising the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, following a preliminary consideration of the petition.

During submissions, the counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that the operation, aimed at driving elephants roaming in the surrounding villages into the Hambantota Elephant Reserve by wildlife authorities has caused severe distress to the elephants.

The co...