Sri Lanka probes allegations of mistreatment against two elephants gifted by Thailand, with diplomatic talks underway and veterinary experts appointed.
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is investigating allegations that two elephants gifted by Thailand have suffered cruel treatment at Buddhist temples, the environment minister confirmed on Monday.
Dammika Patabendi said Bangkok had raised welfare concerns about the animals presented to Sri Lanka in 1980 and 2001 as symbols of friendship between the two Buddhist nations.
“We have appointed a panel of vets to examine the two elephants and provide a comprehensive report on the health and well-being of the animals,” Patabendi told reporters.
“There is a discussion at diplomatic level between the two countries about the welfare of these animals.”
Animal-rights activists said Thai authorities had contacted them about the elephants’ living conditions after the government handed them to temples.
“Thailand wants to take back both elephants,” the Colombo-based Rally for Animal Rights and Environment told AFP.
Elephants are considered a national treasure in Sri Lanka and venerated as Buddhist symbols, yet reports of cruelty by private owners and monks persist.
Authorities repatriated a 29-year-old Thai elephant named Muthu Raja in 2023 after reports of neglect and mistreatment at a Buddhist temple.
Known in Thailand as Sak Surin, the elephant was gifted to Sri Lanka in 2001.
A Sri Lankan court sentenced a private elephant keeper to 15 years in jail in September for trafficking protected animals.
The illegal trade in calves has contributed to declining elephant numbers, with conservationists noting mothers are often killed so their young can be captured.
Human-elephant conflict has claimed around 400 elephants and 200 human lives annually over the past five years, with Sri Lanka home to an estimated 7,000 wild elephants. – AFP
