15 elephants released to owners on bond

The Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today released 15 elephants to their owners till August 31 over the inquiry on forged elephant licenses and alterations made to the wild elephant registration book, on a Rs. 30 million bonds on each.

The Magistrate made this directive considering the submissions made by the counsel who appeared on behalf of the alleged owners of the elephants that the need of certain temples to use them in processions in upcoming religious events. (Shehan Chamika Silva)