Dilmah Launches The Elephant Knowledge Walk
Shakila Ifham
March 14, 2024
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Chairman Dilhan C Fernando with his son, Nature lover Chandima Fernando
On March 9th, Dilmah inaugurated the Elephant Knowledge Walk at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide education to the general public and tourists about elephants, recognizing their significant role in various aspects of the country, ranging from ecosystem conservation to economic sustainability.
The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe has been actively involved in the rehabilitation and release of baby elephants into the wild since 1995. Over the years, it has become renowned for its expertise in elephant science, boasting one of the most comprehensive collections in the field.
Dr. Malaka Abeyawardana, the head of the center, stated, “We have successfully rehabilitated over 170 baby elephants, and we currently have 58 under our care.”
Dilmah Chief focusing on gentle giants
The Elephant Transit Home stands as a renowned tourist destination, attracting over 150,000 local and foreign visitors last year alone. Its presence has significantly bolstered the country’s income.
“We recognize the importance of raising public awareness about our mission, but practical constraints hinder our efforts. Our busy schedule, limited resources, and staff shortages pose challenges,” explains Dr. Malaka. Fortunately, Dilmah Conservation has stepped in, assisting in the establishment of an information center within our facility.
This center serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into various aspects of elephant life, from their biology and social behavior to their evolution. Visitors can also learn about the human-elephant conflict and our center’s rehabilitation efforts. It’s an invaluable educational hub for anyone interested in understanding elephants.
Furthermore, we’ve revamped the handicraft shop to support the local economy. With support from the Dilmah Institute, we aim to encourage contributions to conservation efforts while uplifting the surrounding community.
Dr. Pilapitiya addressing the distinguished gathering
During the unveiling of this prestigious facility, Dilhan C Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, emphasized the crucial role elephants play in our ecosystem, significantly enhancing its resilience.
“While our economic systems often overlook the value of nature, we must acknowledge the immense significance of elephants. Estimates suggest that over a lifetime, a single elephant could contribute approximately 1.6 billion USD to the economy through tourism and restoration endeavors,” Dilhan articulated. He further reiterated Dilmah’s enduring dedication to nature, highlighting the imperative of sustainable coexistence with our environment.
“The economic impact of today’s discussions is staggering, especially with so many frontline individuals present here. We are at a crossroads; the choices we make today will profoundly affect the lives of future generations, determining whether they inherit a sustainable existence with clean air and water or endure unimaginable hardships. It all hinges on our actions today,” he emphasized.
Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Elephant Pathologist and former Lead Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted a common misconception regarding elephant habitats. “Contrary to popular belief, thick forests, such as primary and secondary forests, are not ideal elephant habitats,” he explained.
Elephant Researcher U Sameera Weerathunga praised Udawalawa as a premier tourist destination, particularly renowned for its wild elephant sightings in Sri Lanka. However, he expressed concerns about the park’s current predicament, particularly the insufficient food supply for its wildlife.
To address these concerns, Weerathunga advocated for immediate action, including replenishing food sources in the park, removing invasive plants, ceasing the introduction of cattle, and safeguarding the surrounding forests. He stressed the importance of preserving elephant corridors and ensuring the quality of their habitats.
Meanwhile, the Elephant Transit Home stands as a world-class research institution dedicated to the care and release of young elephants back into the wild. Dr. Pilapitiya underscored the importance of responsible management and highlighted the significant efforts made by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to support these endeavors.
Conservationist and researcher, Supun Lahiru Prakash, highlighted the challenges facing Udawalawe National Park, including ecological succession, invasive species invasion, and human-mediated environmental changes. He emphasized the need for effective management strategies to mitigate these threats and ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.
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