Navy supports Clean Sri Lanka national effort to restore Kala Wewa for wild elephants

In a significant national initiative under the "Clean Sri Lanka" programme, the Sri Lanka Navy, at the directives of the Ministry of Defence, contributed to a large-scale environmental project aimed at restoring the Kala Wewa ecosystem for its native wildlife. The three-day "Kala Wewa Back to the Elephants" project took place from 05 to 07 Sep 25 in the Kalagama and Balaluwewa areas.

The primary objective of the operation was to clear invasive plant species from the floodplains surrounding the Kala Wewa National Park. This critical effort will foster the natural regrowth of grassland, thereby creating a sustainable habitat and food source for the region's wild elephant population.

The project, coordinated by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, featured a collaborative force of national stakeholders. Participants included the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Services, the Civil Security Department, the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, numerous environmental voluntary organizations and the local community.