SRI LANKA’S TRAIN-ELEPHANT COLLISION CRISIS: A REVIEW OF POLICY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a long-standing issue in Sri Lanka, where expanding human settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure have increasingly encroached upon elephant habitats. This conflict has intensified in recent years, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, including damage to crops, property, and lives. However, increasing human expansion and infrastructure development have led to frequent human-elephant conflicts (HEC). Sri Lanka's railway infrastructure intersects with critical elephant habitats, creating a dangerous overlap that has resulted in increasing train-elephant collisions, particularly from 2020 to 2025. These incidents pose a severe threat to the country's biodiversity, especially its endangered elephant population, while also causing infrastructure damage and operational disruptions. This study explores the root causes, statistical trends, policy actions, and technological interventions aimed at reducing train-elephant collisions across high-risk railway corridors such as the Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Northern lines. This study reviews the causes, statistical trends, government policies, and technological innovations aimed at addressing the issue. While policy interventions such as train speed limits, schedule adjustments, and vegetation clearance have been implemented, their effectiveness has been limited by enforcement challenges and infrastructural constraints. Meanwhile, promising technological solutions such as AI-powered detection systems, Arduino-based sensors, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing technology, and high-frequency sound deterrents have shown potential in detecting elephant movement and issuing early warnings to prevent collisions. Moving forward, it is essential for policymakers, conservationists, and technologists to work together in designing sustainable solutions that protect both Sri Lanka's national heritage the elephant and the safety of its railway system. Only through integrated and innovative approaches can a balance be struck between development and wildlife conservation.