Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate the death of tusker Kawanthissa in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around October 16, 2026, and recommend measures to strengthen wild elephant welfare and conservation in Sri Lanka.

The committee has been tasked with examining all aspects of the elephant's death, including its immediate and underlying causes, and determining whether any lapses or negligence occurred during its treatment, the President's Media Division said in a statement.

Chaired by former Ministry Secretary A. H. Sarath Wijesinghe, the committee comprises Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A. G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U. K. Kalinga Padmala...