Court orders temporary release of 15 elephants

The Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today ordered government authorities to release 15 elephants in its custody to their caretakers till August 31 subject to Rs 30 million bonds.

The elephants will be in the temporary possession of the caretakers till the processions (Peraheras) of Buddhist Temples end on August 31.

Several elephants in the possession of various individuals without proper permits were recently taken into custody.