Sri Lanka, Nov. 1 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has initiated a special project to construct a life-size statue of 'Kavantissa', the iconic wild tusker that formerly inhabited the Siyambalagama tank reserve.

Accordingly, the statue is scheduled to be established on a land property belonging to the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, located in Kahambiliyawetiyawatta, Ambanpola, situated in close proximity to the area frequently roamed by Kavantissa and the Kahalla-Pallekele herd.

In addition to the elephant's statue, plans have been made to set up a research and library complex within the designated land area.

The initiative aims to establish a specialized center for mitigating and minimizing human-elephant conflicts, promotin...