COLOMBO, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The number of elephant deaths has dropped by 50 percent so far this year compared with the corresponding period last year, Sri Lanka's environment ministry said on Friday.

According to the statement, the number of human deaths due to the conflict with wild elephants has come down by 20 percent during the period.

The statement said train timetable between midnight and 6 a.m. had been changed for the transportation of goods to prevent wild elephants from being hit by moving trains.

Steps will be taken to clear a 10 meter strip on both sides of railway lines so that engine drivers can see wild elephants to prevent future elephant casualties.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, who is also in charge of environment and wildlife conservation, stressed the need to protect both human and wild elephants while preventing damage to crops and properties, according to the statement.

According to the statement, 90 wild elephants had been electrocuted in Sri Lanka in 2023. Enditem

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