The use of elephants in traditional cultural practices, particularly in the iconic Kandy Perahera, has ignited a passionate debate in Sri Lanka.
Historians, environmentalists, and temple officials have weighed in on the matter, offering diverse perspectives on the cultural significance, animal welfare concerns, and the need for a balanced approach.
Historian and Colombo University Department of History Lecturer Prof. Nirmal Dewasiri highlighted the deep-rooted cultural context of the Kandy Perahera.
He noted that elephants, with their symbolic significance in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, played a crucial role in representing natural elements like rain.
“The Kandy Perahera is essential as a cultural practice. The elephant has a very symbolic significance in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. It represents certain things. The elephant is being used as a symbol related to rain. It usually symbolises the rain clouds because of its dark grey, large features. Certain animals represent characteristics of natural elements. These animals were used in Pan-Indian culture in Hinduism and Buddhism as aspects of nature. That is the larger background to this.
“These animals were being used for cultural festivals and events. Elephants were used for warfare and also for these kinds of ritual cultural practices. In Sri Lanka, there were a lot of elephants and there was elephant trade, which was an important part of commercial activities in the country.”
The festival’s tradition dates back to the emergence of Kandyan culture in the late 17th and 18th centuries, which saw a revival of Buddhist activities and cultural practices.
“Kandy emerged as a political entity and at present, what we know as Kandian culture emerged particularly in the late 17th and 18th centuries. This new Buddhist revival was a part of it and the Kandy Perahera was very much part of it as well. They included as many cultural aspects as possible in this festival surrounding the Temple of the Tooth, which is the most important religious and royal object.”
Dewasiri stressed the deep cultural significance of elephants in Buddhist thought and practice, particularly among Sinhala Buddhists. He highlighted their role as a symbolic representation and even as carriers of revered relics such as the Tooth Relic. He underscored that this perspective was not just his personal viewpoint, but that it was deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the community.
“You can’t question whether elephants are essential or not. Any cultural practice is linked to the cultural community. Buddhists thought that having elephants was one of the central aspects. In that sense, for Sinhala Buddhists, elephants are central and a centre of attraction. They are the vehicle that carries the Tooth Relic. This is not my personal view,” Dewasiri said.
Culture vs. religion
He acknowledged the tension between certain fundamental Buddhist principles and the cultural practices that have evolved around them. While he recognised the argument that using animals without their consent may not align with some teachings of the Buddha, Dewasiri pointed out that cultural practices often developed independently of these underlying principles. In essence, he cautioned against reducing cultural practices solely to religious doctrine.
“There are two things; certain fundamental Buddhist principles and Buddhist culture. In various cultures, animals are used without their consent. You cannot get the consent of animals. They are used for agricultural activities and so on.
“One may argue on reasonable grounds that elephants, or any other animal for that matter, being used in the name of Buddhism is not in line with the teaching of the Buddha. Unfortunately, the reality is that cultural practices cannot be understood in terms of the underlying principles of the religion. That is what is happening here as well. It is very easy for me to say that it is contradictory to Buddhist teachings, but I don’t think that will solve the issue,” Dewasiri pointed out.
Cultural preservation vs. animal welfare
Dewasiri empathised with concerns raised about animal welfare, supporting the animal rights campaign on a political level. He acknowledged the passionate connection between cultural identity and the use of elephants in cultural events, particularly the perahera. He suggested that the solution lay in fostering a broader dialogue between proponents of cultural preservation and animal rights activists.
Noting the existing tension between these two groups, he called for open discussions that could help bridge the divide. Dewasiri emphasised the importance of carefully addressing these issues, considering both the cultural importance of the practices and the welfare of the animals involved.
“I certainly understand the concerns being put forward about the animals’ welfare. Politically speaking, I am also sympathetic towards the animal rights campaign. However, Sinhala Buddhists are passionate about their cultural identity. These issues must be carefully handled.
“One thing that needs to be done is to hold a discussion with Buddhists. At the moment there is a hostile relationship between those who propagate cultural identity and see peraheras with elephants as mainstays of existing Buddhist culture and animal rights activists. I don’t mind having these kinds of conflicting opinions, but a broader discussion must be held between the two sides on this matter,” Dewasiri opined.
Mistreatment of elephants a grave concern
However, concerns have been raised by animal rights activists and environmentalists regarding the treatment of elephants used in these events.
Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Hemantha Withanage emphasised that mistreatment of captive elephants, both in and out of cultural events, remained a serious issue.
“The main problem is that these animals are looked after under terrible conditions while they are in captivity – even before taking part in the perahera. It is because of this mistreatment that some groups are demanding that the perahera be held without elephants altogether,” he said.
He added: “However, if the elephants are treated well while in captivity, this wouldn’t be the case. The problem is that temples and private owners use them in a bad way for things like pulling and carrying heavy objects or for tourism.
“In addition, these animals are also mistreated by having them tied in uncomfortable positions and using chains with spikes on them, bullhooks, etc. Such actions cause the elephants undue stress and pain which results in them attacking humans despite them being in captivity for most, if not all, of their lives.”
He stressed that the authorities must regulate and ensure the welfare of these animals to prevent mistreatment and undue stress.
“This is something that the Government and State can regulate. The Wildlife Department must regulate how wild animals, especially elephants, are treated while in captivity. The Government must bring about conditions where it can regulate this.
“For example, these elephants could be kept at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to be looked after until they are needed for a procession event such as the Kandy Perahera. There is no point using elephants that are wounded and in pain by covering them with colourful clothes to conceal those wounds. That is how these problems happen,” Withanage stressed.
Finding middle ground
Despite the clash of opinions, some emphasise the importance of finding a middle ground. Kandy Vishnu Devalaya Secretary Anuruddha Bandara argued that the use of elephants in cultural events was deeply ingrained and should be respected as part of the country’s heritage. He asserted that the elephants were not harmed and were only controlled using chains when necessary.
“Elephants taking part in the perahera didn’t start yesterday. This has been going on for centuries; it is a part of culture. This demand to hold the Kandy Perahera without elephants could be an attempt to destroy our cultural identity. We don’t harm elephants as some claim, we only use chains to control the animal. We don’t harm or beat the animal frequently; only when they are disobedient or unruly do we resort to those tactics to tame them. If not, they are looked after well and left in peace,” Bandara claimed.
The recent incident during the Kandy Perahera, where a group of elephants ran amok during the procession, has further fuelled the discussion. Environmentalists attribute the commotion to external factors, such as a child blowing a trumpet near the elephants.
“The commotion at the perahera was because a child watching had blown a trumpet right next to the elephant, which had startled the animal, causing it to run amok. No one was injured,” Bandara said.
As the debate continues, it becomes clear that the issue is multifaceted, involving cultural preservation, animal welfare, and the need for effective regulation. Striking a balance between respecting cultural traditions and ensuring the well-being of animals is at the heart of this ongoing dialogue. The challenge ahead lies in finding solutions that satisfy both cultural and ethical considerations.