Action should be taken soon to resolve the shortage of tamed elephants for Peraheras (processions) in Sri Lanka, Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya Temple Chief Incumbent the Most Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayaka Thera said yesterday.
The thera said that using tamed elephants in Peraheras is a tradition in Sri Lanka since ancient times, and the Peraheras can not be stopped just because we have lack of tamed elephants. If the elephants are confined in captivity against the established rules, it is quiet correct to take action on such instances. However, the owners should not be imprisoned, but they can be fined,” the thera said.
The Most Ven. Prof. Nayaka Thera was addressing the gathering at a ceremony held to felicitate all the people and institutions who contributed immensely to make the 64th annual Esala Maha Perahera Festival of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya a great success.
The thera said the Esala Perahera was successfully concluded in last August for the 66th consecutive year.
This great cultural pageant was started in 1950 and was parading the streets on the financial and manpower contribution by many philanthropists and institutions. I must thank all those who participated in the processions as well as those who contributed financially and by giving their labour and providing all other services, the thera said.