Sri Lanka's Cabinet has decided to arm wildlife officials with AK 47 rifles citing the conflicts between elephants and civilians, the Sunday Times reports.
The weapons will replace the Chinese-made T-56 rifles previously held.
The recommendation was made by the former army commander, and current minister for sustainable development, wildlife and regional development, Sarath Fonseka.
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In the North-East the wildlife department has come into criticism from Tamil residents on a number of occasions for its appropriation of private lands and even attacks on civilians.
In May Sinhala officials from the Wildlife Conservation Department attacked and burnt the huts of cattle herders in Mathavanai, Batticaloa.
