By Sheain Fernandopulle 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prof. Kapila Gunawardena to declare the deceased tusker Nedungamuwa Raja who was the main casket bearer of Kandy Esala Perahera  as a national treasure.

The President has also directed the officials to preserve the carcass of the Nedungamuwa Raja for future generations to see.

Meanwhile, the PMD said a team of officials from the National Museum yesterday visited Nedungamuwa, Weliweriya and Gampaha where the tusker was kept and cared for.