New gazette soon to legalize the provision of elephants for processions

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody confirmed in Parliament that a new gazette notification to legally formalize the process of providing tame elephants for Peraheras and other religious festivals is expected to be published soon. The government's primary objective through this step is to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the service of providing elephants for Perahera festivals, which are of cultural and religious significance.

The Deputy Minister revealed these facts in response to a question raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Chamindrani Kiriella. The MP pointed out that a majority of the elephants currently widely used for the Perahera culture are elderly animals, aged between 65 and 70 years.

The Deputy Minister clarified that the government has not made any decision to completely suspend the provision of elephants for Perahera or religious activities. He mentioned that certain clauses in the previous gazette notification had to be removed due to several court rulings. He further stated that the new gazette was prepared after extensive discussions with officials in charge of the subject, including the Ministry of Buddhasasana, and relevant parties, and that the final stages of its work are currently underway.