• Prof. Ashoka Dangolla of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, on elevating animal welfare

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s intricate tapestry of culture, tradition, and biodiversity, the conservation of elephants holds a special place. Prof. Ashoka Dangolla, a voice in the realm of wildlife conservation and animal welfare, has dedicated his life to unravelling the complexities of this coexistence. In a candid and insightful interview, The Daily Morning sat down with Prof. Dangolla to learn more about these complexities.

Prof. Dangolla is currently on the academic staff of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya. His research interests are listed as epidemiology, elephants, wildlife and animals in conflict with humans, and dogs and cats.

With a deep-rooted passion for preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, Prof. Dangolla shared his perspectives on pressing issues surrounding elephant welfare and the intricate balance between cultural traditions, modern conservation practices, and international diplomacy. Here is a look into his nuanced insights, addressing concerns, and envisioning a future where compassion and conservation walk hand in hand.

Prof. Dangolla has also raised concerns about diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand following the return of tusker Muthu Raja to Thailand and surrounding controversy.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

We understand that you have raised concerns about Thailand not welcoming tourists from Sri Lanka and its potential diplomatic implications. Could you elaborate on your perspective?

The situation where Thailand appears reluctant to welcome tourists from Sri Lanka raises diplomatic concerns. It seems like an instance of suboptimal diplomacy, reminiscent of tactics one might expect from less experienced diplomatic players. While it may serve political purposes in the short term, I question the long-term implications and motivations behind this approach.

At first glance, Thailand’s decision to limit tourism from Sri Lanka may appear to be a response to the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic. However, it’s essential to delve deeper into the intricacies of international relations. Countries often employ various strategies to safeguard their interests and negotiate favourable terms on the international stage. In this context, Thailand’s stance could be interpreted as a way to exert leverage or send a message to Sri Lanka regarding specific matters.

Diplomacy is a multifaceted discipline, and it involves a delicate balance between national interests and international cooperation. In this case, one must consider the long-standing relationship between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Are there underlying issues that have strained their diplomatic ties? Is the restriction on tourism a response to grievances in other areas, such as trade or politics? These are questions that merit investigation.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that diplomatic manoeuvres can sometimes have unintended consequences. While Thailand’s decision may appear advantageous in the short term, it could potentially harm both countries’ economies in the long run. Tourism is a significant source of revenue for Sri Lanka, and any restrictions on international visitors could have severe economic repercussions.

In a globalised world, diplomatic relationships are essential not only for bilateral cooperation but also for a country’s standing in the international community. Being perceived as an unwelcoming destination could negatively impact Sri Lanka’s global image, potentially affecting not only tourism but also trade and diplomatic partnerships. 

You mentioned the lack of cooperation in addressing issues related to elephants and how some elephants were not cared for as they should have been. Can you provide more insights into why this process did not take place as expected?

It’s disheartening that cooperation seems to be lacking in addressing these issues. There appears to be more at play than meets the eye. Why certain elephants were not properly cared for upon the Government’s involvement raises questions about underlying motivations and true priorities in these situations.

You expressed concerns about the treatment of dogs and other animals in Sri Lanka, highlighting the need for broader animal welfare considerations. Could you elaborate on these concerns?

Absolutely. It’s crucial to extend our concerns beyond just elephants. Dogs, for instance, often endure neglect, injury, and even harm from traffic accidents. The key issue here is a lack of attention to broader animal welfare concerns, a matter that needs immediate attention.

You have mentioned the importance of properly recruiting and educating elephant keepers, along with monitoring their welfare. Could you provide details on how you envision this being achieved?

Ensuring the wellbeing of elephants starts with elephant keepers. Recruitment should be rigorous, including both knowledge and skill assessments. Education should encompass not only technical aspects but also soft skills and social understanding. Importantly, we must recognise and accept elephant keepers’ value in society. Monitoring should be established to hold them accountable for their actions.

The welfare of elephants in captivity is intimately tied to the quality and competence of their caregivers. Proper recruitment, education, and ongoing monitoring of elephant keepers are essential components of ensuring that these majestic animals receive the care and attention they deserve.

To achieve this, several steps should be taken:

Recruitment: The process of selecting elephant keepers should be rigorous. Prospective candidates should undergo a comprehensive assessment that evaluates not only their knowledge of elephant biology, behaviour, and care but also their aptitude for animal welfare. This could involve written tests, practical assessments, and interviews to gauge their understanding of the ethical and practical aspects of elephant care.

Education: Once selected, elephant keepers should receive thorough and ongoing education. This education should encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Elephant physiology and health
• Behavioural psychology to understand and respond to elephant behaviour
• Ethical considerations and the importance of empathy and compassion in animal care
• Basic veterinary skills and first aid for elephants
• Communication and teamwork to foster collaboration among keepers and with veterinarians and conservationists

Soft skills: In addition to technical knowledge, keepers should be trained in soft skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. These skills are vital for effective interactions with colleagues, visitors, and local communities.

Recognition and value: Society should recognise and value the role of elephant keepers as custodians of these incredible creatures. This recognition can be reinforced through fair compensation, professional development opportunities, and acknowledgment of their contributions to conservation efforts.

Monitoring and accountability: An essential component of this approach is the establishment of robust monitoring systems. Regular assessments should be conducted to evaluate the wellbeing of both elephants and their keepers. Keepers’ performance should be reviewed, and any instances of neglect or mistreatment should be addressed swiftly and appropriately. This ensures that high standards of care are maintained.

Moreover, collaboration with international animal welfare organisations and experts can provide valuable insights and guidance in developing and implementing these programmes. These organisations often have extensive experience in elephant welfare and can contribute to the establishment of best practices.

Regarding the integration of cultural and religious aspects into modern discussions on elephant welfare, how do you suggest this integration can take place effectively?

Integrating cultural and religious aspects effectively involves dialogue and consensus-building. While cultural values and Buddhism are steadfast, we can apply modern knowledge to enhance welfare while preserving these foundations. Changes should be made collaboratively, respecting traditions, and fostering cultural acceptance.

You have raised concerns about the motivations behind certain actions and the use of international politics and media when it comes to elephant welfare. Can you share your insights on what you believe these motivations might be?

I have strong suspicions that the motivations behind certain actions go beyond the stated concern for elephant welfare. While the narrative revolves around the wellbeing of elephants, I believe there are other undisclosed agendas at play. The involvement of international politics and media raises questions about the true intentions behind these actions.

You mentioned the presence of local individuals and agencies willing to help elephants without seeking financial gain. Could you provide more details on these entities and how their efforts can be facilitated?

There are compassionate individuals and organisations in Sri Lanka genuinely willing to assist elephants without any financial gain. It would be beneficial to create a forum or platform to bring these parties together. During events like droughts, these individuals have demonstrated their willingness to provide water and support to elephants. Such initiatives should be encouraged and organised more systematically.

You discussed the role of the Department of Wildlife Conservation in addressing elephant welfare issues. Could you elaborate on their responsibilities and how they can play a more proactive role?

The Department of Wildlife Conservation holds a pivotal role in elephant welfare. They are responsible for the registration and monitoring of captive elephants. To be more proactive, they should focus on stricter enforcement, ensuring registered elephants’ proper care, and actively addressing issues like elephant killings. Additionally, allocating resources more effectively, such as improving elephant fencing methods, is essential.

You emphasised the importance of preserving culture and standing by one’s country. How do you believe this cultural preservation can coexist with efforts to improve elephant welfare?

Preserving culture and improving elephant welfare can coexist through open dialogue and finding common ground. Cultural preservation is essential, and any changes should be made collectively and respectfully. It’s crucial to prioritise Sri Lankan culture while addressing welfare concerns. Importantly, individuals should remain steadfast in supporting their own country’s values and not prioritise foreign interests over domestic welfare.