Dearth of domesticated elephants looms

By Shane Seneviratne   

The Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela who expressed concern about the shortage of domesticated elephants said that the number of domesticated elephants would reduce to ten by 2040.  
Addressing a ceremony at the Sri Dalada Maligawa to launch a song on elephants who adorn the forest, composed by Sunil Sarath Perera , he pointed out that 160 domesticated elephants were available in 2015 but it has reduced to 96 today. The Diaywadana Nilame said 60 domesticated elephants had died within ten years. However, the Diyawadana Nilame said that the population of wild elephants would increase in time to come since a female elephant gives birth to four calves during its life time.