July 22, Colombo: Deputy Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development Palitha Thewarapperuma arrived at the Dambulla Economic Center early this morning to take away the discarded fruits and vegetables to the Horowpathana Elephant Detention Center to feed the detained elephants.

The Deputy Minister came with the mayor of the Dambulla Municipal Council Jaliya Opatha in two lorries belonged to the Department of Wildlife.

The two lorries and the back of his vehicle were filled with the vegetables and fruits that were not suitable for sale to take to the elephant camp.

The Minister said that at present, the Horowpathana Elephant Detention Center holds the dangerous elephants from various parts of the country and dropping off food for them at one place will help to control the animals somewhat.

Also it will reduce the chance of them breaking the electric fence at the detention center and escaping in search of food, the deputy Minister explained.

He said that the Wildlife Department frequently takes the food to the elephants at the detention center.