Uga Resorts has strengthened its commitment to wildlife conservation with the completion of the second phase of its Community Elephant Coexistence Project at Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, introducing a new community elephant fence designed to protect farming communities while conserving Sri Lanka's endangered elephant population.
Officially inaugurated on 15 July 2026, the five-kilometre electric fence was developed in partnership with the Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR) and the local community. The initiative is expected to safeguard 65 farming families and approximately 132 acres of agricultural land, while promoting peaceful coexistence between people and elephants.
The project represents a total investment of approximately LKR 4.5 million, with Uga Resorts contributing over LKR 3.17 million and the local community contributing LKR 1.32 million. Construction began in February 2026 as part of Uga Ulagalla's long-term strategy to reduce human-elephant conflict through sustainable conservation initiatives.
Unlike conventional boundary fencing, community elephant fences are strategically installed around villages and cultivated farmland rather than along wildlife habitats. This approach prevents elephants from entering human settlements while allowing them to continue their natural migration routes, reducing conflict without harming the animals.
Rather than serving as an impenetrable barrier, the fences function primarily as a psychological deterrent, encouraging elephants to avoid populated areas while preserving ecological connectivity. The model is widely recognised as a sustainable solution that benefits both wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods.
Commenting on the initiative, Katharina Raaben, Head Naturalist at Uga Resorts and Founder of the Elephant Research Centre (ERC) at Uga Ulagalla, said the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between conservationists, local communities and the private sector.
"Living and working in this region every day, we've seen first-hand how important practical conservation measures are for both local communities and elephants. This new fence is the result of months of collaboration and demonstrates what can be achieved when resorts, conservationists and villagers work together. It's about creating safer spaces for people while protecting one of Sri Lanka's most iconic species for generations to come," she said.
The latest initiative reinforces Uga Resorts' commitment to sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation, supporting long-term efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict while helping protect one of Sri Lanka's most treasured wildlife species.
Union Bank Celebrates Pensioners' Day with Focus on Independent Retirement
Union Bank successfully hosted Union Bank Pensioners' Day at its Head Office, bringing together pensioners from across Sri Lanka for a special event focused on financial wellbeing, healthcare and independent retirement.
The event also marked the launch of Sri Lanka's most competitive pension loan, offering Government pensioners access to loans of up to Rs. 8 million at competitive interest rates. As an added benefit, eligible customers will receive free PickMe rides worth Rs. 30,000 annually, further enhancing convenience and mobility during retirement.
Held under the theme "Make Your Retirement a Strength, Not a Burden," the programme reflects Union Bank's commitment to empowering pensioners to enjoy a financially secure and independent retirement.
The event was attended by Director General of the Department of Pensions, Chaminda Hettiarachchi, and featured a range of value-added services through partnerships with BYD JKCG Sri Lanka, Nawaloka Hospitals, Vision Care, Lifeserv, and several other organisations.
Participants benefited from health screenings, medical consultations, healthcare offers and essential lifestyle services, creating a holistic experience that addressed both financial and personal wellbeing.
Addressing the gathering, Chaminda Hettiarachchi commended Union Bank's initiative, noting that it was the first time a private bank had organised a dedicated event focused on empowering pensioners.
He also highlighted that the Department of Pensions has introduced greater flexibility, enabling pensioners to obtain pension loans from the bank of their choice, giving retirees more freedom to access financial support that best suits their needs.
Through the Pensioners' Day initiative and the introduction of its enhanced pension loan product, Union Bank continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's retired community, combining accessible financial solutions with healthcare and lifestyle benefits to promote a more secure and independent retirement.
Uga Resorts Launches Second Phase of Community Elephant Coexistence Project
