Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- The body of an elephant, believed to have died about a week ago, was found with its left tusk removed in a forest area near the Kayagollewa Tank in Kahatagasdigiliya, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.

The carcass was discovered yesterday (1) by wildlife officers in a forest patch bordering a paddy field in the Meeminnawala Grama Niladhari Division.

Wildlife officials suspect that the elephant's left tusk had been removed using a weapon after its death.

The deceased elephant is estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old and approximately seven feet tall.

The Department said the death would be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate's Court today (2), while a post-mortem examination would be condu...