The Tame Elephant Owners Association reports a problem with securing elephants for the procession at Maha Saman Dewalaya in Sabaragamuwa during the Esala Perahera in Kandy.
Damsiri Bandara Karunaratne, the association’s secretary, stated that there are plans to use excess male elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which are owned by the government, for the processions.
“The problem of elephants participating in both processions has arisen due to the scheduling of both events at the same time. Specifically, since some elephants in the Kandy parade also participate in the procession at the Saman Temple, it is difficult to find enough elephants for the Kandy Dalada Maligawa as well as the ”satharamaha devala”. The Tame Elephant Owners Association has repeatedly raised awareness of this situation with the responsible government officials. The president has also been informed,” he said.