The award ceremony for elephants who have contributed to the Esala Perahera for more than forty years was held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy today (07).
Out of the ninety-six tamed elephants in the country, forty-seven have been performing in cultural festivals for more than forty years, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela says.
Accordingly, 27 elephants were awarded this award today at the Mahamaluwa of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy with the participation of Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi.
Symbolizing the award ceremony, the first award was presented to the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, which has contributed to the Perahera for more than fifty-five years. Simultaneously, other elephants were also presented with this award.
Speaking at the event, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said that the number of tame elephants, which was about 400 in 1980, has now been reduced to ninety-six, and that the number of wild and tame elephants in countries such as Thailand, India and Myanmar is very high. However, he said that while the number of tame elephants in Sri Lanka is 96, the elephant population in the wild is between 6,000 and 8,000.
Pointing out that there are currently 47 elephants over the age of 40, he also said that after the next 15 years, the number of tame elephants in the country will be reduced to 15.
Therefore, he stated that he will point out to the President the need to contribute elephants to cultural events in the country, including the Esala Perahera, during this year’s Perahera Closing Ceremony.
Nadeeka Daya Bandara – Kandy