Political conspiracy behind return of Thai-gifted elephants, says minister

By Indika Sri Aravinda  

Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has alleged a political conspiracy behind the proposed return of two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka by Thailand.  

The elephants are currently housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. A three-member committee, led by expert veterinary officers, has been appointed to assess their health and investigate any potential mistreatment. A report is expected within the next week, which will guide a diplomatic decision on whether the elephants will be repatriated.  

Minister Patabendi stressed that while elephants were historically used for logging, the animals are not harmed in cultural processions today.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka within the next two weeks. The veterinary report will be handed over to him during this visit.  

“These elephants were gifted to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral goodwill with Thailand. However, there are complications in the process of returning them,” the Minister said.  

It is reported that the Thai government is prepared to follow the same procedure that was 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.