Thai Elephant To Be Taken Back For Medical Treatment
Shakila Ifham
June 23, 2023
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday said that the elephant gifted by Thailand Plai Sak Surin, well known as Muthu Raja, would be sent back to Thailand for medical care and will be brought back to Sri Lanka after necessary treatment there.
Responding to queries, the Premier said that the custodian of the elephant, the Chief Incumbent of the Kande Viharaya has submitted the documents to the Thailand authorities to take the tusker to Thailand on condition that it be returned to Sri Lanka after treatment.
Wildlife and Forest Conservation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said the Wildlife Department has no responsibility over the elephant as it had been granted to the Kande Viharaya on a Sannas Pathraya.
She said however, after learning about the condition of the tusker, it was brought to the Dehiwala zoo and provided necessary care and treatment.
She also said Sri Lanka requested the Thai Ambassador not to take back the elephant to Thailand and added that Kande Viharaya Chief Incumbent, present owner of the animal, has given his approval to take the tusker temporarily to Thailand for treatment after strong requests by the Thai Ambassador.
Recently, some Animal Rights activists made a complaint to the Thai government that the tusker had been neglected here.
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