Sri Lanka Investigates Allegations of Cruelty Toward Elephants Gifted by Thailand

Elephants are considered a national treasure in Sri Lanka. (Representational)

Sri Lanka is conducting an investigation into allegations that two elephants gifted by Thailand have been subjected to cruel treatment at Buddhist temples where they reside.

Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi confirmed that Bangkok has expressed concerns regarding the welfare of these two animals, which were presented to Sri Lanka in 1980 and 2001 as symbols representing the close relationship between these two Buddhist nations.

"We have appointed a panel of veterinarians to examine the two elephants and provide a comprehensive report on their health and well-being," Patabendi stated to reporters.

"There are diplomatic discussions ongoing between the two countries concerning the welfare of these animals."

Animal-rights activists in Sri Lanka have reported that Thai authorities contacted them to inquire about the living conditions of the elephants that the Sri Lankan government had transferred to the temples.

"Thailand wants to take back both elephants," according to the Colombo-based Rally for Animal Rights and Environment.

In Sri Lanka, elephants are regarded as a national treasure and are venerated as Buddhist symbols, though there have been numerous reports of mistreatment by private owners and monks.

In 2023, authorities repatriated a 29-year-old Thai elephant known locally as Muthu Raja following reports of neglect and mistreatment at a Buddhist temple. Muthu Raja, known in Thailand as Sak Surin, was originally gifted to Sri Lanka in 2001.

A Sri Lankan court recently sentenced a private elephant keeper to 15 years in prison for trafficking protected animals.

The illegal trade in elephant calves has contributed significantly to the decline in Sri Lanka's elephant population, with conservationists noting that mother elephants are often killed so their young can be captured.

The escalating human-elephant conflict has claimed approximately 400 elephant lives and 200 human lives annually over the past five years. Sri Lanka currently has an estimated population of 7,000 wild elephants.