Sri Lanka, July 13 -- Despite mounting public pressure and allegations surrounding the treatment of injured tusker Bathiya, the Ministry of Environment has confirmed that no formal inquiry into the veterinary care provided has been launched.

Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi told the Sunday Observer that some of the criticism levelled at the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) may be politically motivated. He reiterated that the Ministry's current priority is Bathiya's recovery, not investigating individual allegations.Online newspaper subscriptionSubscription-based content

"At present, we are focused on ensuring that the elephant receives the best possible care," he said. While he acknowledged the need for an internal re...