A fresh gazette outlining comprehensive guidelines for the use of captive elephants in religious and cultural pageants will be issued shortly, Parliament was informed today (August 21).
Replying to a question raised by Opposition MP Chamindrani Kiriella, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said that an expert committee – working alongside the Ministry of Buddhasahana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – is currently finalizing the new framework.
Deputy Minister Jayakody also said that the government has not imposed any ban or restriction on providing elephants for traditional events, such as the historic Kandy Esala Perahera.
Addressing concerns regarding elephant health and mahout training, the Deputy Minister noted that the Department of National Zoological Gardens is actively conducting awareness and welfare programmes.
He added that the government will continue to provide necessary facilities, awareness, and guidance for mahouts.
The upcoming gazette will also lay down strict criteria for private individuals seeking to keep elephants, outlining the basic housing requirements and essential welfare standards needed to care for them.
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