Colombo Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara today authorised the release of 15 elephants, for the sole purpose of participating in the annual perehara of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth.
These elephants were taken into legal custody as they were illegally detained by individuals and parties in temples and private properties.
The caretakers of these elephants filed a motion requesting the release of the elephants to be able to participate in the perehara, based on conditions.
Accordingly, the Magistrate who considered the motion ordered that the elephants be released on 10 million rupees surety each.
The elephants will be released from July 27th and will be returned on August 15th.