Under the national program “Beyond the Electric Fence – Towards a Sustainable Solution,” implemented to minimize the human–elephant conflict, the rehabilitation of 315 kilometers of electric fencing in the Puttalam District and the introduction of a modern SMS based notification system to detect real time breakdowns were carried out recently.

This large scale initiative was implemented over three days in October 10th, 11th, and 12th under the full supervision of Mr. Kapila Senarath, Director (Social) of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. A significant number of electric fence assistants, Civil Security Force officers, and local residents took part in the operation.

The key feature of this program was the introduction of an automated SMS alert system that immediately notifies officials when a section of the electric fence is damaged. As its first phase, a model system covering a 5 kilometers stretch of fencing in the Neluwawa area was established with the sponsorship of SRA Industries.

Through this new mechanism, the Department of Wildlife Conservation can identify the exact location of any fence breach instantly, thereby expediting repair work. It also helps local communities to stay informed about the operational status of the fencing in their area.