HIPG launches Human-Elephant Peace Project in partnership with state agencies

Initial steps under a USD 50,000 grant given to state agencies by the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), towards resolving the Human-Elephant conflict in the district began last week.  Work has commenced on a 5.8 km electric fence in the Thammannawa Village, Hambantota Division, carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Department, under the supervision of the Divisional Secretariat. The hanging fence surrounding the village will protect 60 families, i.e. approximately 200 residents and their crops.

As one of the largest business organisations operating in the region, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) is invested in the safety of surrounding communities and in protecting the environment.  HIP believes that supporting this initiative will serve as a step in solving the human elephant conflict.  This new hanging fence will replace the current traditional fence which has not been able to keep elephants at bay.

Johnson Liu, CEO of HIPG says, “the environmental and social development of our surrounding communities is an essential part of our port development agenda. We set up the Human-Elephant Peace fund under our environment protection initiative, to find solutions to the ongoing conflict. Since this is a high priority issue in the district that needs to be addressed we are supporting the project and all actions with regard to mitigation are decided and implemented by the Department of Wildlife Conservation under the leadership of the District Secretariat. Depending on the success of the initial operations we will continue giving support, so that the safety of the people in the district is assured whilst at the same time, sustainable solutions are found for the elephant population in the area.”

Agriculture is the main income source of the Thammannawa villagers, and the fencing is being carried out with the intent to make their surroundings secure and safe from any sudden attacks.  The fence will provide the residents peace of mind to carry on with their daily routines and minimise encounters with wild elephants.

The fencing project, which will cost Rs.10 million is the first step under the grant set up by HIPG to resolve the human elephant peace project, and HIP plans to support a series of projects put forward by the District Secretariat and various NGOs interested in resolving the issue.

The project commencement ceremony was attended by Johnson Liu; CEO of HIPG, Raymond  Mu; CFO HIPG, Tissa Wickramasinghe; COO HIPG, Ravi Jayawickreme; CEO HIPS, Greg Chen; Chief Strategic Officer HIPG, H.P. Sumanasekara; District Secretary, Kaushalya Galappaththi; Divisional Secretary, Channa Suraweera; Assistant Director - Southern Region, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Lunugamwehera; Pradeep Kumara; Deputy Director – Divisional Secretary’s Office, and other government officials.  Senior staff of HIPG and residents of the village also participated in the event.

HIPG Officials and Government Officials unveiling the board together with the villagers.

Johnson Liu, CEO of HIPG and H.P. Sumanasekara; District Secretary at the project commencement ceremony.