OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190813
Transboundary Politics and the Human–Elephant Conflict Lessons from Sri Lanka–India Environmental Diplomacy
V.S. Suriyabandara
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and
International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
Volume 19, Issue 08, Pg. 181-204, 2026.
Abstract: Transboundary politics plays a critical role in shaping responses to the Human Elephant Conflict in South Asia, particularly between Sri Lanka and India, where shared ecological landscapes intersect with political boundaries. The research problem is How can lessons from Sri Lanka–India environmental diplomacy inform the development of effective transboundary policies and mechanisms to mitigate human–elephant conflict and enhance elephant conservation? The main purpose of this writing research paper, critically examine , to analyze the historical and ecological connectivity between Sri Lankan and Indian elephant populations, including genetic affinities, past range overlaps, and habitat characteristics. . And also sub purposes are, to identify, the socio-political drivers of human–elephant conflict in both Sri Lanka and India, focusing on land use changes, community perceptions, and conservation policies as well as to critically evaluate existing environmental diplomacy frameworks and bilateral agreements and to identify gaps, strengths, and weaknesses in current transboundary cooperation mechanisms related to HEC mitigation and elephant habitat connectivity. The writing of this article uses qualitative method. Use Details the mixed-methods approach, data sources, sampling techniques, and analytical methods .Specially analysis technique based on previous researchers’ findings. Theoretical frame work related with transboundary environmental governance encompasses processes, institutions, and policies. Negotiate and ratify a “Palk Strait Elephant Conservation Protocol” (PSECP) , Amend National Wildlife Acts to Facilitate Transboundary Movement and to propose a set of policy recommendations and a conceptual Transboundary Elephant Conservation Corridor (TECC) model that integrates ecological, social, and political considerations for Sri Lanka and India these findings can be identified regarding How can lessons from Sri Lanka–India environmental diplomacy inform the development of effective transboundary policies and mechanisms to mitigate human–elephant conflict and enhance elephant conservation.
Keywords: Human -Elephant Conflict, India, Sri Lanka, Transboundary politics
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