Tamed elephant shortage threatens Perahera culture
by SK Samaranayake The rapid decline of Sri Lanka’s tamed elephant population has posed a serious challenge to the continuation of the country’s traditional Perahera festivals, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela has warned. He said the current population of 93 tame elephants could fall to just 25 within the next decade unless new elephants were […]
Sri Lanka's tamed elephant population is dwindling rapidly, posing a significant threat to the continuation of the country's traditional Perahera festivals, warned Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela. Currently, there are only 93 tame elephants, which could drop to just 25 within the next decade unless new elephants are introduced to the population.
Speaking at "Alimankada 2026", Sri Lanka's inaugural elephant conservation summit, organized by the University of Peradeniya's Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and the Elephant Promise Organisation, Dela highlighted the scarcity of suitable elephants, forcing Perahera organizers to rely on existing animals, thus complicating the selection process.
He expressed concern over the forced participation of aggressive, young, and elderly elephants due to the lack of alternatives. Dela emphasized the critical need for immediate action to preserve and augment the tame elephant population to safeguard the survival of Sri Lanka's millennia-old Perahera customs. These elaborate annual pageants, notably the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Esala Perahera, prominently showcase decorated elephants as integral components of the cultural and religious festivities.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
