Dr Nihal Pushpakumara, President of the Association of Wildlife and Zoo Veterinary Officers, says Dr Isuru Hewahettige, who worked at the Nikaweratiya Veterinary Office, has submitted his letter of resignation.He also said that elephants with two tusks were not immortal and could die after reaching a certain age.Mr Pushpakumara further alleged that threats had been made against the veterinarian’s wife, including at their home.Dr Isuru Hewahettige faced numerous allegations, including failing to provide proper treatment to the elephant Kawanthissa and administering an excessive dosage of medication.Environmentalists and members of the public expressed strong opposition to the veterinarian on social media.

Some also alleged that Dr Isuru Hewahettige had deactivated his facebook account because of the allegations levelled against him and out of a sense of guilt.It has been reported that the same veterinarian had treated the giant elephants Thekka Raja and Bhatia when they fell ill before their deaths.

‘I’m unaware of any resignation’

However, the Department of Wildlife Conservation has not officially confirmed his reported resignation.Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe has told the media that there has been no report of Dr Isuru Hewahettige resigning.He also said that, if a government employee wishes to resign, the employee must inform him in his capacity as the head of the institution.