Addressing the Media yesterday (20th July) in Colombo he said, out of these 123, nearly 51 or 52 elephants could not be joined the Perehera though they are must during this perehera season. “Accordingly, it is clear that Sri Lanka is needs nearly 200 tamed elephants”, he added.

In carrying the sacred casket at the Perahera, a 9 feet height, 35 to 40 years aged veteran tusker is required and another two in same size also needed to join the “Dela”. However, in Sri Lanka there are only four veteran tuskers to carry the sacred casket at the Kandy Esala Perahera. They are Indiraja, Wasana, Nedungamuwe Raja, and Millangoda podi Raja. But, though the Millangoda Podi Raja is also needed during this season and it is unable to join the tusker in the perahera. Therefore, the Diyawadana Nilame also pointed out the need to import the suitable tuskers from India.

The Kandy Esala Perahera will be paraded in streets from 8th to 18th August after the Kap plantation ceremony held on Wednesday 3rd August. The entire final Randoli Perahera will be live-telecast on local and around 50 foreign media, the Dayawadana Nilame said.