Unbelievable Elephant Crossing in Srilanka

On the evening of May 21, 2025, around 8 PM, a remarkable event unfolded on the main road between Anuradhapura and Kurunegala in Sri Lanka. Nearly 200 wild elephants were observed crossing the road, bringing traffic to a complete halt as drivers and passengers watched in awe. This rare and powerful moment highlighted the beauty and wildness of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

The sight of such a large herd moving together is not only breathtaking but also serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human development and wildlife conservation. Sri Lanka is home to the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant, which is native to the island and considered endangered due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. 

The Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts are significant habitats for these elephants. However, increasing human activities have led to the encroachment of elephant corridors, disrupting their natural migratory paths. In Anuradhapura District, all five main elephant corridors have been encroached upon by humans, leading to aggravated human-elephant conflicts. These conflicts have resulted in significant casualties on both sides. In 2022, 37 people were killed in such incidents in Anuradhapura alone, accounting for a quarter of all human deaths due to encounters with elephants in Sri Lanka.  

Efforts are being made to mitigate these conflicts. The Sri Lankan government has developed action plans to prevent elephant-train collisions, including the removal of soil mounds to provide safer passages and the installation of solar-powered LED lamps along railway tracks to improve nighttime visibility. Additionally, there are plans to construct wildlife underpasses to facilitate safe crossings for elephants.  

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The construction of such infrastructures often faces delays and sometimes fails to meet the intended objectives. For instance, the underpass project in Galgamuwa, aimed at providing a safe crossing for elephants, has faced criticism and is yet to be completed. 

The recent event on May 21 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address these challenges. It underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats and ensuring safe migratory paths for elephants. As Sri Lanka continues to develop, it is imperative to strike a balance between progress and conservation, ensuring that majestic creatures like the Sri Lankan elephant continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

For those interested in witnessing this extraordinary event, a video capturing the moment is available here: