The construction of electric fences, launched by the National Rehabilitation Ministry, to ward off elephants and minimise the man- elephant conflict has been expedited in the North Western Province, Nawagaththegama Wild life office sources said.

The construction of a 35-km-long electric fence, extending from Anamaduwa to Nawagaththegama, Madawchchiya Weva and Usweva, is also nearing completion.

The National Rehabilitation Ministry has granted Rs. 14 million to construct the electric fence.

The electric fence extending from Siyambalangamuwa and Ahauweva at Polpithigama area in Kurunegala is nearly completed, the official said.