In a concerning incident during the annual Mahiyangana Perahera, an elephant named Sita was allegedly shot with rubber bullets, prompting a formal investigation into the incident. The Acting Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, has ordered an impartial inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding this distressing incident.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 30, 2023, around 3:15 am when Sita, an elephant kept near the banks of the Mahaweli River, was reportedly fired upon with rubber bullets. It is believed that Sita was mistaken for a wild elephant during the Mahiyangana Perahera, an annual event attended by elephants from various parts of the country.

The incident came to light when reports of the shooting reached the authorities, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the use of rubber bullets on the elephant. Concerned about the welfare of Sita and the propriety of such actions, Acting Defence Minister Tennakoon has ordered a thorough investigation.

The Civil Security Department (CSD) has initiated an internal disciplinary investigation into the matter, focusing on the conduct of the CSD personnel involved. If any evidence of disciplinary misconduct is found during the inquiry, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the responsible individuals.

The incident has raised alarm among wildlife advocates and the public, prompting demands for accountability and transparency in the investigation. Animal welfare groups have called for a swift and fair resolution of the case to ensure the safety and well-being of elephants participating in cultural events like the Mahiyangana Perahera.