Future of traditional perahera festivals in jeopardy as elephant numbers dwindle – Diyawadana Nilame

Says despite numerous appeals, little has been done to address the issue 

By Shane Seneviratne  

In another 10 to 15 years, the number of elephants available for Sri Lanka’s traditional Perahera festivals — including the world-renowned Kandy Esala Perahera — could drop to just eight, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of these historic cultural processions.  

Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, made this revelation during a recent Perahera planning meeting attended by the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters, Basnayake Nilames of the four main devalayas, the Kandy District Secretary, senior officials, and security personnel.   He emphasized that despite numerous appeals to authorities regarding the shortage of tame elephants, little has been done to address the issue. He also called for both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure the continuation of this centuries-old tradition.  

He also pointed out that attempts by officials to resolve the crisis are often hampered by misinformation spread by various organizations and on social media.  

“Elephants have historically been raised for cultural festivities, but continuing that practice is becoming increasingly difficult,” the Diyawadana Nilame said, calling the situation “deeply regrettable.”