The elephant was found roaming in Puliyanthope area for the last few days. However, it was seen struggling to move properly in the last couple of days and appeared weak, they said.
Based on information, forest officials, along with a veterinarian, went to the area to give treatment, but could not go near the elephant as it was surrounded by its herd.
The elephant died in the early hours today, they said, adding only postmortem would reveal the real cause of the death.