Despite mounting public pressure and allegations surrounding the treatment of injured tusker Bathiya, the Ministry of Environment has confirmed that no formal inquiry into the veterinary care provided has been launched.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi told the Sunday Observer that some of the criticism levelled at the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) may be politically motivated. He reiterated that the Ministry’s current priority is Bathiya’s recovery, not investigating individual allegations.
“At present, we are focused on ensuring that the elephant receives the best possible care,” he said. While he acknowledged the need for an internal review of the Department’s overall efficiency, he added, “There are no preparations to conduct investigations into the allegations made against individuals. I’m not ready for such a discussion at this time.”
Defending the veterinarian at the centre of the controversy, Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Director General Ranjan Marasinghe described him as a dedicated professional. “Even during the war years, he carried out his duties with commitment. There is no need to question his dedication,” Marasinghe said. He said that veterinarians in the DWC often operate in difficult field conditions. “Mistakes may happen, but they are never intentional. We’ve received no Government directive to investigate, and unless such an order is issued, there will be no inquiry,” he said.
Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, K.R. Uduwawala, also said that no formal investigation is under way but assured that the Ministry continues to closely monitor Bathiya’s condition. “We are continuously monitoring the elephant’s health and treatment needs, and we will continue to look into it,” he added. As calls for accountability grow louder, particularly from environmental groups, some are now calling on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to step in and order an independent investigation or appoint a committee to review Bathiya’s treatment and the wider handling of injured elephants in Sri Lanka.
