The Brussels-based journalists organization in a statement said it is saddened by the death of provincial journalist Priyantha Ratnayake, 43, who was mauled by a wild elephant in Minneriya, near a national park.

The IFJ expresses condolence to the family of Ratnayake and urges his employer to provide compensation to his family, the media organization said.

The IFJ also urged the media houses to assess the safety situation for journalists before sending them to report in the area where there are risks to their physical safety.

The IFJ is saddened by the death of Priyantha Ratnayake in the line of duty and calls for safety training for all journalists to ensure such incidents are avoided. We urge the journalists to give priority to ones safety and follow safety rules while on dangerous assignment, IFJ statement said.

According to police, Ratnayake, a News 1st U-reporter, had gone to the village to cover incidents of wild elephant attacks in the area. He had succumbed to his injuries after admitting to the Hingurakgoda Hospital.