Avurudu hackery race: Wild elephants pull down historic Bo tree in Mahakumbukkadawala

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

A herd of wild elephants that roamed into the Mahakumbukkadawala area had caused much havoc destroying property and crops. The most startling incident for the residents of the area was the pulling down of the historic Bo Tree in Parasangaswewa Bodhirukkarama temple that had been venerated for generations.   
Residents of the area pointed out that raids to drive away a marauding herd of more than 50 wild elephants into Thabbowa sanctuary and other forest reserves has been going on for about a month but a herd of about ten jumbos have sneaked out and entered the villages.   
They pointed out that the marauding herd had not spared the historic Bo-Tree in the temple.   
Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Dr. Chandana Abeyratne who visited the affected area instructed the officials to drive away the herd frequenting the villages.