Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed constitutional amendments to recognize the rights of elephants, wildlife, biodiversity and the environment as fundamental rights, enabling violations to be challenged through the courts.

Speaking at a meeting with wildlife conservationists, civil society representatives and other stakeholders at the Opposition Leader's Office yesterday (18), Premadasa said the existing constitutional framework was inadequate to ensure effective accountability for environmental protection.

He noted that fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter III of the Constitution can be enforced through legal proceedings, whereas the Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter VI do not offe...