02/06/2026
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 (𝗠𝗘𝗥) 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱?
The Managed Elephant Reserve (MER) in Hambantota was first proposed in 2009 as a long-term planning response to the growing HumanElephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka.
Rather than viewing elephants and people as separate entities, the MER concept recognized that coexistence depends on how landscapes are planned, managed, and shared. The reserve was designed based on scientific evidence, including elephant movement patterns identified through radio-collar studies, and sought to protect critical habitats, water resources, movement corridors, and ecological connectivity.
The original vision was not simply to create another protected area. It was to establish a connected landscape where:
🐘 Elephants could continue their natural movements,
💧 Water systems remained functional,
🌳 Forest habitats were conserved,
🚜 Agriculture and settlements could develop sustainably, and
🤝 Human and elephant needs could coexist within the same region.
Although MER was proposed in 2009, implementation was delayed for more than a decade. During that period, development pressures, land conversion, and habitat fragmentation continued to reshape the landscape.
This flyer is the first post in our MER Information Series, inspired by insights shared during the recent SCREEN Talk featuring planner Indu Weerasoori
In the coming weeks, we will explore more about MER concept.
💬 What would you like to know about MER?
We would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and perspectives. Drop your questions in the comments below.
Your question may become the topic of our next post.
Sources: Daily Mirror (31.03.2021) | Mongabay (08.07.2021) | The Morning (2025)|SCREEN Talk Series-Indu Weerasoori.
