"The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) is pleased to provide an update on
the ongoing restoration and revitalization of the historic Ele-Friendly Bus, the world’s first
conservation transportation initiative specifically designed to reduce human–elephant conflict in Sri Lanka.
Human–elephant conflict continues to remain one of the most urgent conservation challenges
in Sri Lanka, particularly in communities surrounding protected areas where villages overlap with traditional elephant movement corridors. In response to this challenge, SLWCS launched the Ele-Friendly Bus in 2016 to safely transport villagers, especially schoolchildren, through elephant habitats while reducing dangerous encounters between people and elephants.
The Ele-Friendly Bus transports children to school
Over time, the Ele-Friendly Bus evolved into an internationally recognized symbol of
innovative coexistence between people and wildlife. Today, SLWCS is transforming the
original vehicle into a mobile environmental education platform that will deliver conservation awareness programs to schools, communities, visitors, and students throughout Sri Lanka. The first stage of restoration means general maintenance of some of the mechanical components and upgrading others.
Work completed and currently underway includes:
• Suspension and shock absorber replacement
• Clutch plate and pressure plate servicing and replacement
• Fuel system restoration and fuel tank servicing
• Installation and testing of new lighting and electrical components, including new headlight
units
• Replacement of filters and essential engine service components
• Procurement and installation of additional mechanical spare parts and safety
equipment
The EleBus under repair
In the coming months, restoration efforts will continue with:
• Exterior repainting and restoration of the original conservation artwork and
educational messaging.
• Interior refurbishment to support conservation displays and educational
programming.
• Installation of a air-conditioning system and electrical upgrades to improve comfort
and functionality during educational outreach activities.
The Ele-Friendly Bus represents one of the world’s most innovative community-based responses to human–wildlife conflict. By addressing the challenge from both a conservation and community safety perspective, the initiative has demonstrated that practical solutions can benefit both people and endangered wildlife. Restoring and preserving this historic vehicle will not only safeguard an important chapter in conservation innovation but will also help educate future generations about the importance of coexistence between humans and elephants.
Your commitment is helping preserve a globally recognized conservation innovation while expanding its impact through environmental education and community outreach. With your support, the Ele-Friendly Bus will continue inspiring students, communities, visitors, and conservation leaders for generations to come."
Thank you to the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society for providing the update above! And thank you to our donors who continue to help make innovation possible!