News

Muthu Raja harassed by mahout: Minister intervenes

Published

on

The Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister has instructed the Ministry Secretary to take necessary steps to place the Muthu Raja Tusker at the care of the Dehiwala Zoo.

The tusker was a donation from Thailand to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and she later handed over the elephant to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara.

However, it was later revealed that the elephant was harassed by the mahout.

Therefore, the Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka had taken away the tusker from the temple and placed it in the custody of Dehiwala Zoo.

It is reported that the elephant is currently being cared for by the staff of the Dehiwala Zoo but the Thai Ambassador has decided to take the elephant back to Thailand.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had held a lengthy discussion with Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath yesterday (15) over the matter and on keeping the elephant in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, it was reported that the National Zoological Department has agreed to keep Muthu Raja in the Dehiwala Zoo and the Minister has instructed the Secretary to take necessary steps in consultation with the Thai Ambassador.

Trending

Exit mobile version