Tamed elephant shortage threatens Peraheras

Sri Lanka’s centuries-old Perahera tradition is facing a growing challenge due to the rapid decline in the country’s tamed elephant population, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela has warned.

He said the current population of 93 tamed elephants could shrink to just 25 within the next decade unless urgent steps were taken to increase the number of elephants available for cultural and religious pageants.

Dela made these remarks while addressing “Alimankada 2026”, Sri Lanka’s first elephant conservation summit organised jointly by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of Peradeniya and the Elephant Promise Organization.

He said the shortage of suitable elephants had made it increasingly difficult for organisers to select animals for Peraheras, forcing them to use elephants that may not be ideal for such events.

“Due to the lack of alternatives, even aggressive, young and elderly elephants are being compelled to participate in Peraheras,” he said.

Dela stressed the need for immediate conservation measures to protect and expand the tame elephant population, warning that failure to do so could threaten the continuation of Sri Lanka’s traditional Perahera culture.

Decorated elephants remain a key feature of major Perahera pageants held across the country, particularly the historic Esala Perahera of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.