Sri Lanka, May 21 -- A total of 128 wild elephant deaths have been reported across the country so far this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Department stated that the deaths were recorded between January 1 and May 15 this year.

Among the incidents reported, 20 elephants had died due to shootings, while 15 were killed by electrocution. Another 10 elephants reportedly died after consuming "hakka patas" explosive bait, while five deaths were caused by falls into agricultural wells.

Wildlife officials further noted that several other elephant deaths had occurred due to poisoning, train collisions, drowning and various other accidents.

The highest number of elephant deaths has been reported from the Eastern w...