Attached
Asian Elephants being highly social mammals
have been identified as a ‘Natural Treasure' since ancient
times. The elephant's presence in Sri Lankans religious
and socio-cultural events has not diminished. According to
Mahavamsa, there had been a state elephant krall of King
Devanampiyatissa (2323-2273 yr BP). As well, elephants
were also engaged to accompany theras, troops, chariots
and in the construction of the monastery for bhikkhunis
(Hatthalhaka-Vihara). The elephant Kandula became the
companion of Dutugamunu (2177-2153 yr BP), serving as
his warrior elephant during the wars and for the decisive
duel with King Elara that led to the unification of Sri Lanka.
Later, elephants were also used by the King Dutugemunu
for the festival of enshrining relics in Ruvanveliseya at
Anuradhapura. Our Kings have donated elephants to
temples for religious festival traditions; such as for the annual Perahera of the Tooth Relic, the Tooth and the Bowl
Relics and for troops and chariots from 4th to 16th century.
After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in 1815, the
custody of the Tooth Relic was handed over to the Maha
Sanga. With the inauguration of the Kandy Esala Perahera
during this period, elephants were used for religious
purposes and were also donated to temples on occasions.
Sri Lankan elephants are widely distributed from
sea level to the highest mountain ranges. tourists canenjoy
watching and photographing within national parks and
in few other locations, the opportunity to go on elephant
back safaris. The intensity of Human Elephant Conflict in
Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas adjacent to elephant
habitats, has been escalating and reports show that nearly
2,000 elephants have died during the past 15 years due
to gunshot injuries, electrocution, illegal actions taken by
farmers to protect their crops, land mines during the armed
conflict, falling into unprotected agricultural wells and
abandoned gem pits and collision with trains.
