September 07, Colombo (LNW): The revered tusker Wasana, long associated with the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, will no longer take part in ordinary peraheras held outside a select group of major historic religious sites.
The decision was announced by the devalaya’s Basnayake Nilame, Thilina Madhusankha, who said the move had been taken primarily to protect the 58-year-old elephant’s health and welfare.
Wasana has become a much-loved figure among devotees and the wider public, with organisers from different parts of Sri Lanka frequently seeking his participation in religious processions. However, according to the Basnayake Nilame, travelling considerable distances by road to attend such events places an unnecessary physical strain on the ageing tusker.
He said the authorities had therefore decided that Wasana should no longer be routinely transported to distant locations simply to appear in local peraheras.
In future, the tusker will be permitted to participate only in a limited number of significant religious processions with deep historical and cultural importance. Major events such as the Kandy Esala Perahera will remain among the occasions for which his participation may be considered.
The move effectively marks a shift towards giving greater priority to Wasana’s wellbeing, allowing the much-admired tusker to take part in important traditions without the burden of frequent long-distance travel.
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