By Sarath Wijesinghe PC., Solicitor of the U.K., Former Ambassador to the U.A.E. and Israel, Former secretary to Bar Association and The President,  Ambassadors Forum U.K. and Sri Lanka,

With research and editorial assistance by Sugandhika K.  Hangilipola, Attorney-at-Law.

To a country, an elephant is a unique asset, and Sri Lanka is privileged to have elephants amongst few other countries.

Elephants are giant animals venerated and made use of in rituals, agriculture, and many other commercial and domestic matters. Elephants are exceptionally intelligent animals, so remarkably smart and aware that when carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic in the procession, they will refuse to walk unless the pawada (sacred white floor cloth) is laid out before them. They show immense respect for the tradition and truly seem to take pride and joy in being an active part of the Perahera.

In Sri Lanka, the elephant is a cultural symbol representing power and strength, as it served on the frontline protecting the nation alongside the army.

The elephant’s presence is documented from 1825 to 1948, but unfortunately, the population is dwindling due to human-elephant conflicts and killings. During colonial times, an estimated 15,000 elephants were shot dead by colonial masters. Historically, writers like Robert Knox in his 1681 account An Historical Relation of Ceylon observed how deeply tied native traditions, agriculture, and royal decrees were to the daily life and social order of the Kandyan kingdom, showing just how deeply rooted these cultural traditions are in our history.

The elephant carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic, the remains of the Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and Prince Danta in 310 AD is respected by Sri Lankans as it carries the casket in procession, a tradition practiced since the time of kings. As Knox noted during his two-decade captivity, the King held absolute authority over the realm, and carrying out these sacred royal customs and processions was central to demonstrating the power and standing of the monarch, as possessing the Danta Dhatu was necessary for kinghood.

Respect was shown by the number of elephants walking in the procession. Though chained for safety, they are very well looked after by private owners for, whom maintaining an elephant is a significant expense, while others live in the jungle or in wealthy temples.

Sri Lanka is known worldwide for the Dalada Maligawa, the annual Esala Perahera, and these long-standing traditions that continue to this day.

There is an Animal Welfare Bill which some argue is targeted specifically at elephants to curtail the Esala procession of the Tooth Relic. Critics express concern that such legislation undermines traditional and cultural practices. If the Dalada Perahera cannot be performed due to administrative restrictions, the country, its culture, and its tourism industry will suffer. Rather than relying on romanticized sagas or modern hyperbole, we must objectively look at our long-standing traditions to preserve what is genuine about our heritage.

Therefore, this is a serious matter that requires careful reconsideration to address genuine instances of animal cruelty. The standard practices used for food production or farm execution can be harsh, and stray animals face severe neglect. In the UK, institutions like the RSPCA hold significant authority because citizens actively report instances of animal cruelty.

In Sri Lanka, it is time for those who value the country’s culture and traditions to seek a balanced and realistic approach. Handlers (mahouts) form deep bonds with their elephants, cleaning, bathing, and caring for them daily. Chaining, however, remains a necessary safety precaution to prevent the animals from being startled or disturbed in large crowds. Modern animal activists must consider these practical realities, along with the severe impact wildlife such as crop-destroying animals, has on local agricultural communities.

The main concern regarding the proposed bill is the broad executive authority it grants to penalize and imprison elephant owners. This could discourage private ownership and temple custody altogether, leaving Sri Lanka with fewer tamed elephants and exacerbating human-wildlife conflicts in the wild. Consequently, a vital aspect of the country’s living heritage risks being lost.

In these circumstances, the government should reconsider the proposed bill and introduce realistic guidelines for managing domesticated elephants. These traditions remain a central part of Sri Lankan culture and a point of admiration worldwide. Just as traditional ceremonial practices involving horses continue in countries like the UK without facing prohibition, Sri Lanka’s long-standing cultural traditions deserve practical preservation. Therefore, we urge the minister in charge to carefully review the proposed legislation and introduce necessary amendments that allow temples, the Dalada Maligawa, and private owners to continue maintaining elephants responsibly