Elephant ‘Kalana’ was taken to Ridiyagama Safari Park

Office in charge of Marine Life Unit of Mirissa, Wild Life and Conservation Department, A.T.R. Ravindra said that the elephant ‘ Kalana’ belonging to historic Devinuwara Sri Upulwan Devalaya had been taken for residential medical treatment to Ridiyagama safari park last night.

This elephant had been handed over to Safari park which belongs to the Wild Life Department by a group of people including the Secretary of Basnayake Nilame of the Devale, S. Colambage and the Mahout after taking it safely in an elephant transporting vehicle.

Although an attempt had been made to conceal this activity to the media, the media men were able to report the incident at the safari park.

This elephant, who had been subjected to untold suffering, was washed and medically treated by a group of veterinary surgeons including the Chief Veterinary Surgeon of safari park, Nandana Perera. It was given fruits and other food by them. Later, three cow elephants came and added their love and care enabling the onlookers to gain an emotional experience.

Arrangements had been made to inspect and check the health condition of the animal after three hours and a separate staff had been assigned to provide the facilities to the animal. It will be able to loaf freely in the park within two weeks time like other animals following the treatment.

After the information published in the media, a team of wild life officers including Deputy Minister of Wild Life and Conservation Palitha Thewarapperuma had lodged a complaint to Gandara police against the Basnayake Nilame about this incident.

The secretary of the Basnayake Nilame and the mahout who had been produced before the court were released on surety bond.