Sri Lanka, Oct. 5 -- In a major push to resolve Sri Lanka's escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) through scientific, community-driven strategies, a Cabinet-appointed expert committee recently conducted an extensive ground assessment across key hotspots in the Palukadawala, Athinimale, and Eru Wewa areas.

The team - comprising prominent wildlife scientists and specialists including Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Dr. U.K.G.K. Padmalal, and Dr. S. Wijeyamohan - inspected existing infrastructure to gather real-time data for a new National Action Plan.

During the field visit, the experts evaluated the operational efficiency and technical flaws of several fencing systems, including the Palukadawala village electric fence...