Government to issue gazette on elephant provision for Peraheras

The government is preparing to issue a gazette notification that will set out regulations and procedures for providing captive elephants for Perahera festivals, according to statements from the deputy minister responsible for the matter.

Peraheras are grand processions integral to Sri Lankan cultural and religious traditions, particularly associated with Buddhist temple festivals and the annual Kandy Esala Perahera. Elephants have historically featured prominently in these processions, and the proposed gazette aims to formalize the arrangements for their participation.

The notification is expected to outline the conditions under which captive elephants may be utilized for Peraheras, establishing a structured framework for festival organizers seeking to include elephants in their events. The announcement indicates the government's intention to create clear administrative guidelines governing this aspect of traditional celebrations.

Details regarding the specific provisions and conditions to be included in the gazette have not yet been disclosed. The move reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to balance cultural preservation with regulatory oversight of elephant use in public events.