Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Kandy Esala Perahera faces 'elephant crisis'

By

26 July 2017 11:00 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

This year's Kandy Esala Perahera will be without its ‘star’ attractions -- the tuskers Nadungamuwe Raja, Wasana and Kelaniya Raja, while two other tuskers belonging to the Sri Dalada Maligawa would not taking apart in the perahera.

The Maligawa officials said ‘Nadungamuwa Raja’ and ‘Wasana’ were among the elephants at the Kataragama Perahera while 'Kelaniya Raja' would not be available for the Kandy Perahera beginning on July 29.

The Sri Dalada Maligawa spokesman said one of the eight tuskers -- ‘Migara’ would not be available during the Perahera season and therefore the organisers may have to manage with the remaining five tuskers. He said usually three elephants were required to carry the sacred relics casket, whereas only two other elephants would take part in the Perahera.

According to him, another tusker, a gift from former Myanmar President to President Maithripala Sirisena, is expected to arrive in the country soon. But it was doubtful whether it would arrive before the Perahera, as it takes time to be suffeciently trained.

Meanwhile the Basnayake Nilame for Natha Devale, Gayan Heenkenda said the four Devales participating in the Perahera were facing a similar issue without elephants. (L.B. Senaratne and Nadeeka Daya Bandara)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 16

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Nalaka Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:41 AM

    Use luxury SUVs instead.

    ceylon Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:53 AM

    use monks to do the elephants work and let them to experience the cruelty. via DM Android App

    SL Thursday, 27 July 2017 03:42 AM

    Useless Gvt is responsible for this situation. Soon Sri Lankans will loose their trade mark traditions. There are few countries in this world who had lost their identities like Philippines due to the foreign invasions however Sri Lankan will lose their identity due self destructive scums who hates their own country while saluting for others.Now gvt can ask those oppose for having elephants for Perahara to bring the horses they are petting their at home.

    BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 27 July 2017 04:00 PM

    It is not possible to live in a primitiveness all the time. Further parading of elephants is animal cruelty and no where in Buddhism can this be allowed.

    aathal Thursday, 27 July 2017 06:54 AM

    Let animal inhabits in jungle and use decorated vehicles

    Nalaka Perera Thursday, 27 July 2017 07:09 AM

    A well planned work by the govt to please foreign NGOs

    Saranga P Thursday, 27 July 2017 08:01 AM

    Let it be perahera or any other occasion for one the most trademark events in Sri Lanka. Most precious tooth relic being carried out and we are all proud of this event.Still this is animal abuse in every way for each elephant in here. Dressed and lit each one of them. Why no animal activists protest this? Is it only when elephants take tourists on their backs considered animal abuse?You know how much effort gone into training these elephants for this event. One can only imagine the level of abuse when doing so.

    ANTON Thursday, 27 July 2017 09:53 AM

    NOT ONLY KANDY PERAHARA , THESE DAYS EVERYTHING IN SRILANKA FACES ELEPHANT CRISIS.

    Sharon Thursday, 27 July 2017 04:05 PM

    Well said Anton

    Shan Thursday, 27 July 2017 07:05 PM

    Chief Green elephant is a good replacement

    Barty Crouch Thursday, 27 July 2017 10:12 AM

    Why aren't they available? A conclusion has to be made on how to ethically care for these animals whilst preserving tradition.

    Snawy Thursday, 27 July 2017 11:19 AM

    A national disaster? I am happy only a few of these animals will be harassed this year.

    SHANI345 Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:35 PM

    At this moment SRI LANKA is in a CRISIS situation where it's culture ,traditions and sovereignty is on THREAT!!!!! God bless my country feel so helpless as a fellow sri lankan.

    Buddhi Passaperuma Thursday, 27 July 2017 01:51 PM

    Just like our cricket team. Injured or resting. Put the chief selector, Diyawadane Ayya to carry this supposedly hold casket on his head.

    Pra30 Thursday, 27 July 2017 03:24 PM

    I think those who oppose these kinda caparisoned tuskers / elephants paraded in grand style to carry the Tooth Relic should replace instead.

    Sharon Thursday, 27 July 2017 04:08 PM

    By no means we can approve animal cruelty. But the issue is the critiques only see the Elephants in Perahera. They don't see bull fighting, horse races, bullock carts, etc...


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H