Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- The Government today (2) launched the 'Hasthi Sena' (Elephant Force) operation in Galkiriyagama, under the North-Western Wildlife Zone, to protect elephants and minimise human-elephant conflict.

The islandwide operation is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, the Armed Forces and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Speaking at the launch, the Environment Minister said the initial phase would focus on protecting 17 elephants currently facing threats.

Plans are also underway to cover around 80 per cent of areas inhabited by elephants through the operation, while the remaining 20 per cent will be addressed through a separate initiative, the Minister said.

The operation will also involve con...