Tourist killed in wild elephant attack in Pidurangala

A 67-year-old Hungarian Professor Joe Anten visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist was killed by a wild elephant in the Pidurangala area of Sigiriya on February 16. 

After visiting Pidurangala, he had walked back to his hotel with his wife when the attack occurred. 

The post-mortem examination is scheduled for February 17 at the Dambulla Hospital. The Sigiriya Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.

Sigiriya Police stated that the attack had taken place at a location frequently inhabited by wild elephants, and warning signs are available in such areas, yet they were ignored. 

Residents have chased the elephant and sent the injured individual via three-wheeler to an ambulance stationed for tourists in front of the Central Cultural Fund office.

However, because the ambulance driver was reportedly not present, the victim has been taken to the Sigiriya Rural Hospital in the same three-wheeler.

The government has been alerted by residents and tourists multiple times about the dangers caused by wild elephants in the Pidurangala area which has been ignored. 

Even after this incident, it has been observed that tourists continue to travel on the dangerous path.

Pix by Kanchana Kumara