The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Thilina Madushanka, says that the “Vasana” elephant, which carries the sacred casket of the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, has decided not to be used for any other general processions except for major historical sites such as the Kandy Dalada Perahera.
The Basnayake Nilame points out that there are a lot of requests to provide the Vasana elephant for processions held in various parts of the island, and that the elephant is subjected to great fatigue and distress due to being transported to various places by vehicles for long periods of time. Accordingly, the Basnayake Nilame states that this decision was made considering the elephant’s health condition.
The Vasana elephant, who is currently 58 years old, is an elephant that is deeply loved and respected by people across the island.