No talks yet on recall of Thai elephants Minister

• The elephants were gifted to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral goodwill with Thailand

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Sri Lankan and Thai governments have not held any discussions regarding the potential recall of two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Prasad said yesterday, assuring that the animals are in good health and have not caused any harm.  

Dr. Prasad told the Daily Mirror that the report compiled by a three-member expert committee has been received and confirms that the elephants were not treated badly and remain in good condition. The report is set to be handed over to the Foreign Ministry.  

The Thai government had informed Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry that its officials would visit the country concerning the two elephants. 

Minister Prasad confirmed that Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka within the next two weeks, during which the veterinary report will be officially handed over.  

“These elephants were gifted to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral goodwill with Thailand. They are currently housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya,” the Minister said.  

He added that while elephants were historically used for logging, they are not harmed in cultural processions today.  

Reports indicate that the Thai government is prepared to follow the same procedure used to repatriate Plai Sak Surin, also known as ‘Muthuraja,’ from Sri Lanka in 2023. One of the elephants, aged 12, is notably the first elephant calf donated from Thailand to Sri Lanka in 1979.