Sri Lanka will pilot an advanced technology system designed to prevent wild elephants from being struck by trains, with implementation beginning next month at 13 locations where such incidents frequently occur.
A collaborative initiative between Sri Lanka's railway, wildlife, and forestry authorities will deploy a sophisticated detection system aimed at reducing elephant-train collisions. The project, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed under the direction of the Presidential Secretary, represents a public-private partnership operating under the "Clean Sri Lanka" programme, with full funding provided by a state bank.
The system employs three-beam detection technology, passive infrared sensors, and automatic temperature monitoring to identify animals weighing more than 20 kilograms. Once an elephant is detected, signal lights in red, yellow, and green positioned along both sides of the tracks will activate, while a dedicated display inside locomotive cabs will provide train drivers with precise location information to enable timely responses. The system also includes a tamper alarm mechanism to alert authorities to any unauthorized interference.
Before its broader deployment, the technology underwent successful testing at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, with results documented in a preliminary report. The 13 pilot locations were selected based on historical data showing frequent collision incidents in those areas. To facilitate oversight and transparency, authorities plan to launch a dedicated website, "slps.lk," enabling real-time monitoring of the project's progress and outcomes.
The initiative brings together multiple government agencies, including the Railway Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Forest Conservation Department, alongside People's Bank, which is supporting the funding.