According to the latest data from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the conflict has claimed the lives of 2,425 wild elephants and 961 people over the past six years. Alarmingly, in January alone, 43 wild elephants and 3 people have lost their lives, reflecting the growing severity of the crisis.
In response to the recent surge in wild elephant deaths, FactSeeker formally requested data from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. After analyzing the information received, FactSeeker uncovered and brought these findings to public attention.

The majority of wild elephant deaths are caused by shooting, electrocution, and firecracker attacks. Between 2019 and 2024, 409 elephants were killed by gunfire, 356 by firecracker attacks, and 316 by electrocution, highlighting the severe threats posed by human actions.

Anuradhapura recorded the highest number of human deaths due to the human-elephant conflict, with 185 fatalities over the past six years, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Meanwhile, 2023 saw the highest number of wild elephant deaths, with 488 reported cases. When analyzed by forest area, the Polonnaruwa Wildlife Zone recorded the highest elephant mortality, with 487 elephants lost in the last six years.

The Polonnaruwa region recorded the highest number of property damage cases, with 3,236 victims. However, according to FactSeeker data, 3,756 people suffered property damage due to human-elephant conflicts in 2024 alone—the highest number recorded in the past six years.