- Proposes to alert villagers before wild elephants enter
China is backing an initiative to explore to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based early warning system in Sri Lanka to help address the existing human-elephant conflict by alerting communities before wild elephants enter villages.
Initial discussions and a field inspection were held in the Galgamuwa area between the Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang and the Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, chairmen of the Galgamuwa and Giribawa Pradeshiya Sabhas, and other officials.
During the discussions, the Chinese Ambassador Wei and Huawei representatives shared China’s experience in implementing similar early warning systems in areas previously affected by human-elephant conflict.
The proposed system uses AI-powered cameras capable of identifying wild elephants by analysing their physical characteristics, body size and movement patterns. Once elephants are detected approaching villages, the technology can alert residents through warning signals and messages, giving them time to take precautionary measures.
The field inspection focused on Sri Lanka’s geographical and environmental conditions, elephant movement patterns, frequently used routes into villages and suitable locations for installing the camera systems.
The officials also discussed on how China’s technological expertise and experience could be adapted to Sri Lanka’s specific conditions, taking into account the country’s terrain, wildlife behaviour and settlement patterns.
The proposed initiative seeks to adopt Chinese technological support and AI-based monitoring capabilities to strengthen early warning mechanisms, reduce the risk of human casualties and property damage, and protect wild elephant populations.
