Gazette on regulating elephant use in Peraheras to be issued soon

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody announced in Parliament today that a Gazette notification on the provision of tamed elephants for peraheras will be issued shortly, formalising arrangements for their allocation to religious processions.

He made the announcement in response to a question raised by opposition MP Chamindrani Kiriella, who pointed out that a majority of elephants currently used in peraheras are between the ages of 65 and 70.

Jayakody clarified that the government has not taken any decision to stop providing elephants for peraheras or religious events.

“We have taken the necessary measures to ensure this service continues. Several court rulings required the removal of certain sections of the previous gazette. In consultation with the Ministry of Buddhasasana and subject experts, we have now prepared a new gazette. It is in its final stages and specifically addresses the provision of tamed elephants for peraheras,” he said.

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on regulating the use of elephants in cultural and religious events.