10 tame elephants to be trained for religious festivals

16 December 2015 11:53 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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About 10 domesticated elephants would be given for peraharas and other functions for a nominal fee while annual permits would be given to adopt elephants, Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera today said.

The permits would only be provided after a back ground check on the funds and facilities of those who want to adopt an elephant.

“This will be renewed each year after the Ministry has inspected the premises and the health of the elephant,” the Minister said.

Even though permits would be granted for elephants, the ownership of the elephants would remain with the government.

Several elephants were also being raised in captivity at the moment and can be used for peraharas and other functions for a nominal fee.

“They are being raised in a place similar to Pinnawala and there are about ten elephants under this programme so far,” he said.(Text and Video Darshana Sanjeewa)

Comments - 4

garawi Thursday, 17 December 2015 12:44 AM

Yes! And then release all other elephants in captivity and harassed in temples!

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ranjith Chandrasekera Thursday, 17 December 2015 03:26 AM

I do not endorse handing over elephants to temples or to any individuals, even under state supervision. Main reason is that the animals will be kept in restricted conditions, shackled and chained 24/7. I have my doubt that there are temples or individuals having at least 50 acres of land for the elephants to grace and roam freely which is highly necessary to keep healthy. Eventually, these elephants will be used as a source of income lending them for hard work and entertainment of tourists.Why do we need elephants to participate in religious processions. It is the worst insult and disrespect to Buddha to carry his relics on an animal with legs chained and billhooks to inflict pain to make it follow commands. Does any person think if Buddha is alive today he would ever condone this practice. Buddhism is a peaceful religion that direct people to be kind, show compassion, respect and love to all living beings.

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Ben Hurling Thursday, 17 December 2015 04:04 AM

This system will lead to elephant abuse for sure. Owners will bribe corrupt Wildlife Ministry officials to renew their licenses. No Buddhist should use elephants in temple festivals. Elephant training is a cruel business. Such brutality has nothing to do with Buddhism.

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das Thursday, 17 December 2015 05:28 PM

Barbaric practices like this should be banned.

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