By Kushan Jayawardena Two wild elephant deaths were reported from the area bordering Galkiriyagama Wildlife Sanctuary, with the first death reported from Hinguruwelpitiya in Galkiriyagama and the second from Shasthrawelliya in Kekirawa. The deaths had occurred due to poisoning and the post-mortem on the most recently dead elephant had been conducted by wildlife veterinary surgeon Isuru Hewakottage on 2 August. The cow elephant’s carcass was located in a baron paddy field in Shasthrawelliya. “The cow elephant was approximately 30 years of age and was about eight feet tall. During the post-mortem, I observed that the womb, intestines, liver, and heart of the cow elephant were severely affected by the poison that was ingested. In order to determine the type of poison, we have now sent the organs to the government forensics lab (of the Government Analyst’s Department),” he informed. Meanwhile, Galkiriyagama wildlife ranger D. Ramasinghe stated that the Department of Wildlife Conservation has now commenced investigations on these mysterious poisonings that took place over a short period of time. “We are still to assess whether there is an impact on other wildlife (species). Spotting a dead elephant is easier compared to spotting other wild animals that may fall to their deaths. Chances are, we might not see them immediately.” The rangers of Galkiriyagama Wildlife Sanctuary later buried the carcass of the dead elephant in the forest reserve, following the post-mortem.