Wild Angles With Mevan

The parks in this part of the country are generally situated around large lakes and reservoirs dug by Sri Lanka’s ancient and medieval civilisations. The reservoir (or tank – the local term) of Minneriya, for example, was created towards the end of the 3rd century AD, when the Minneriya river was dammed. Since then, the lake has been an invaluable resource for wildlife in the region, who rely on it during the height of the dry season. Kalawewa National Park and Kaudulla National Park are similarly situated around large bodies of water, while the Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya National Parks have the Mahaweli – the island’s longest river – running through them.

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There is no greater example of the reservoirs’ capacity to sustain life than Minneriya’s Elephant Gathering – arguably the most spectacular natural event on the island. Between the months of July and September, an estimated 400 elephants descend on the park, largely to drink, frolic and bathe in the reservoir, as well as to feed on the lush plumes of grass that sprout on its banks. Vast herds can be sighted during this period; in a typical afternoon safari at Minneriya between 150 and 200 elephants may be seen. The Gathering also occasions courtship and mating between the bulls that come to the reservoir and females in various herds.

As the north-central province is a highly agrarian region, there is also substantial conflict between people and elephants. Farmers frequently have entire fields ruined by herds that come in search of easy meals, and some have resorted to lethal means to deter the elephants. Hakka patas – an explosive disguised as food, which blows elephants jaws off and eventually leads to starvation – is one of the methods used. Other elephants have been shot, and more recently, electrocuted to death. Elephants also inflict human casualties in this part of the country, particularly when farmers attempt to chase bull elephants say from crops.