A Gazette notification setting out how captive elephants may be provided for the Kandy Esala Perahera and other religious and cultural events is in its final drafting stages, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody told Parliament on Friday.
Jayakody said the Government had taken no decision to restrict the use of elephants at such events, addressing speculation that has followed this year’s Perahera season.
“It must be emphasized that the Government has taken no decision to issue any orders or impose any restrictions whatsoever on the provision of elephants for the Dalada Perahera or other religious activities,” he said. “The Government continues to provide the necessary facilities for such events.”
He said the notification is being prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and an expert panel, and that the drafting team’s work is now close to complete.
What the regulations would cover
The Environment Ministry said separately that the Gazette follows Cabinet approval and is intended to strengthen governance, accountability and transparency in the management of captive elephants, while ensuring compliance with Sri Lanka’s national laws and international obligations.
It said the move comes after a review of the legal and administrative framework covering the registration and management of captive elephants, taking in changes to conservation priorities, law enforcement difficulties, the requirements of deploying elephants at cultural and religious events, and animal welfare concerns.
A special committee appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment has been tasked with studying those questions, gathering stakeholder views and reviewing the draft “Registration and Licensing of Elephants Regulations 2026” prepared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The committee is also to recommend a mechanism for deploying captive elephants for cultural and religious purposes, with particular attention to their welfare.
The committee is chaired by H.M.B.P. Herath, Additional Secretary (Policy, Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs) of the Ministry of Environment, with D.P.C. Udaya Kumara, Additional Secretary (Development), serving as Convener and Secretary. Its recommendations on the allocation of elephants for Peraheras are expected shortly.
The Ministry said the framework is meant to ensure the use of captive elephants at cultural and religious events takes place under a properly regulated system while safeguarding animal welfare.
