Protecting the village and elephants of BATUYAYA

BATUYAYA is a small Sri Lankan village located between DAMBULLA and SIGIRYIA.

Comprising 54 families, it includes:

• 48 men, mainly farmers,

• 58 women,

• 82 children (34 girls, 46 boys).

The nursery school welcomes around 20 children up to the age of 5.

Located near an elephant migration route

Elephants, in search of water and food, regularly pass through the village, causing damage to crops, homes and the nursery school.

These intrusions jeopardise the safety of villagers, especially at night.

This hut was built by farmers in the trees:

After a hard day spent in the muddy rice fields, the farmers settle into these huts to watch over their crops.
Almost every night, they try to scare away elephants with fires or firecrackers.

The nursery school is regularly visited by wild elephants. The hole behind the children was made by elephants passing close to the school.

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By supporting our initiative, you are actively participating in the protection of the village of Batuyaya while contributing to the preservation of elephants.

Together, we can build a sustainable future where human communities and wildlife coexist in harmony.

We hope to raise the necessary funds through your donations and the support of our partner companies' CSR programmes.

Setting up monthly payments would also allow us to plan our investment calmly and efficiently.

FRANCE TO SRI LANKA is seeking funding to install a protective barrier in the village of BATUYAYA:

• Open: It will not block elephants from passing through to the lake and jungle.

• Lightweight: It is designed to deter elephants without harming them.

• Adapted: It is specifically designed for the local context and elephant behaviour.

• Power will be supplied by photovoltaic panels, ensuring a controlled and secure electrical current that is safe for elephants.

The system includes:

Our diversion barrier offers numerous advantages:

• Increased security: Villagers can sleep peacefully, knowing that their homes and families are protected.

• Crop protection: Harvests are preserved, ensuring food security for the village.

• Preservation of the nursery school: Children can learn in a safe and protected environment.

• Peaceful coexistence: The barrier promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants, minimising conflict.
  

The facility is strategically positioned on the path leading to the village entrance, respecting the elephants' natural migration corridor to the lake and their feeding areas.

We are also exploring complementary natural solutions, such as installing beehives—as elephants fear bees—or setting up cattle breeding areas to serve as deterrent barriers.

However, to fully guarantee the safety of villagers, the installation of an electric fence remains essential.

As the public electricity grid is unstable and costly, the use of photovoltaic panels is a sustainable solution, ensuring a reliable supply and high-quality energy with a constant wave.

Challenges and benefits for BATUYAYA

Project plan

Through our
NATURE &
BIODIVERSITY Programme

Project photos

Areas of operation : BATUYAYA (SIGIRIYA)