Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population has increased to an estimated 7,451 animals, according to the latest nationwide elephant survey conducted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 2024, Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said.Speaking on the findings, the minister said the survey showed a significant increase in the country’s elephant population compared to previous counts carried out over the past three decades.

According to official records, Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population stood at 1,967 in 1993. A subsequent elephant census conducted in 2011 recorded 5,879 elephants across the country.“The 2024 elephant survey has reported that there are at least 7,451 wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the elephant population has increased by about 26.7%,” Patabendi said.

He also noted that the number of tuskers in the country had increased by 9.2%, indicating growth within the population of elephants with tusks.“The population of tuskers has increased by 9.2%, and overall, we can clearly see growth in Sri Lanka’s elephant population,” the minister said.