The recent controversy over the release of tamed elephants that were with the Department of National Zoological Gardens back to their former owners was debated in Parliament last week. Speaking during the debate, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake had revealed that one of the Prime Minister’s security officers, one N. Wanninayake (Neville), also owned two elephants. “Traditionally, elephants were owned by temples, devalayas (shrines), and a few privileged families to show their wealth. When we oppose the practice of elephant trafficking, it is wrongly interpreted as our opposition to the country’s culture. “However, since the year 2000, a new class of wealth has emerged, made up of corrupt businessmen and politicians.

Source: The Nation September 25, 2021 18:56 UTC