By: Isuru Parakrama Colombo (LNW): “Muthu Raja”, a Tusker elephant gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka twenty two years ago, was taken back to Bangkok, Thailand by a Russian cargo plane this (02) morning. Muthu Raja was gifted from the Thai Royal Family to former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 2001 and was resided at the Aluthgama Kande Viharaya. Reports emerged that the Tusker was ill-treated and subject to severe abuse due to the inconsiderate behaviour of the elephant keeper who was in charge of Muthu Raja. As a result, the Tusker had become ill on multiple occasions. Accordingly, the Thai authorities have decided to bring the Tusker back to Thailand for expert care, and requested the Sri Lankan government to send Raja back to Thailand. She is to receive treatment from veterinary surgeons in Thailand.