Drones Over the Jungle as Sri Lanka Searches for Agbo

Sri Lanka’s wild tusker Agbo, whose whereabouts had been the focus of an intensive search, was located on 19 October in the Nachchaduwa Ihattawa jungle area in the Anuradhapura District. The area’s Wildlife Range Officer confirmed that the elephant was safe and in good health. Acting on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) directed the immediate deployment of Army personnel following a request from the Minister of Environment. The Ministry of Defence coordinated the deployment, with an initial platoon of 30 soldiers later increased to approximately 56 to intensify the search. Troops from the Army’s 21 Division, under the guidance of its General Officer Commanding, Major General Kaminda Silva, led the operation in close coordination with wildlife officials. Drones operated by both the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force were also deployed to assist in locating the tusker. The operation highlighted the Ministry of Defence’s coordination and the Army’s support for civilian authorities in matters of national importance.