More than 200 wild elephants have died in Sri Lanka during the first eight months of 2026, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.The Department reported that 204 elephant deaths were recorded between January 1 and August 14.Of these, 33 elephants were shot dead, while 26 died after coming into contact with illegal electric fences or live wires.

Another 26 elephants were killed after consuming explosive bait known as “hakka patas” (jaw bombs), while four deaths were attributed to poisoning.Meanwhile, two elephants were killed in train accidents and four in road accidents during the period.Seven elephants died after falling into agricultural wells, while another seven deaths were caused by drowning.