Crop cultivations across the island are under threat due to damage caused by animals, including skunks, monkeys, squirrels, and wild elephants.
The issue is particularly severe in the Kegalle district, where a surge in the skunk population has left farmers struggling to protect their crops.
In response, the Piripun Organization, led by Engineer Ananda Devasinghe and a team of young engineers, has developed a temporary solution—a solar-powered electronic device designed to deter animals.
The device was recently tested in Bulathkohupitiya, Wagolla, an area heavily affected by skunks. The innovative system detects animals from about seven meters away and emits a sound to drive them off.
“When the device detects the skunk, it emits a small beam accompanied by a sound. This discourages the skunk from coming closer,” explained an engineer involved in the project. “The sound has to be periodically changed to prevent the animals from becoming accustomed to it.’
