The Process of Reconciliation of Human-Elephant Conflict and the Nature of State Bureaucracy

The human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka is a multidimensional issue with its origins in environmental, socio-economic, and bureaucratic causes. As human populations expand particularly into previously undisturbed elephant habitats, conflicts over land, crops, and water resources intensify. Habitat loss and fragmentation, often driven by unsustainable development and political decision-making processes, are among the key contributors to this ongoing conflicts. Government officials play a crucial role in mediating the conflict, but the effectiveness of interventions such as elephant fences, early warning systems, and protected zones often depends on the capacity and coordination of state bureaucracy.
The aim of this study is to examine the reconciliation process of human-elephant conflict and critically assess the nature of state bureaucracy involved in conflict mitigation. The study was conducted in the Karuwalagaswewa Grama Niladhari Division, which is under Galgamuwa Divisional Secretariat in the Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. Quantitative Research method was adopted, using a structured survey and semi-structured interviews with 186 respondents, who were selected through simple random sampling. The findings indicate that a lack of institutional coordination, political interference in land use decisions, and poor regulatory enforcement exacerbate the conflict.
Social consequences such as the breakdown of family welfare, increased domestic violence, and reduced opportunities for upward mobility further complicate the issue. Moreover, the imposition of transnational cultural norms in rural settings has altered community dynamics and adaptive strategies. The entanglement of wildlife and sanctuary policies with political power structures has led to a protracted social conflict that cannot be resolved through technocratic solutions alone.
This study concludes that meaningful reconciliation not only requires technical interventions but also a socially inclusive, politically accountable, and ecologically conscious policy framework. Conflict transformation through mediation, participatory decision-making, and institutional transparency is essential to promoting long-term, sustainable human-elephant coexistence.