PETITION TARGET: Sri Lanka Minister of the Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi
Across Sri Lanka, captive elephants are suffering in festivals, tourist attractions, and entertainment venues’ washing and riding operations — often enduring lives of confinement, stress, and pain.
During an annual procession, a Lady Freethinker investigator documented elephants chained on hard concrete for extended periods while surrounded by blaring music, bright lights, traffic, crowds, and performers carrying whips. Some elephants had visible wounds, callouses, and signs of psychological distress.
Our investigator, and experts, also raised serious concerns about the elaborate decorative costumes forced onto elephants during these events. These heavy coverings can obstruct elephants’ ears — a critical part of how they regulate body temperature — potentially putting them at risk of dangerous overheating in Sri Lanka’s hot climate.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
At entertainment attractions, elephants used for rides and washing experiences were chained when not interacting with tourists. Our investigator documented painful sores, damaged feet, and aggressive handling. Some elephants were confined so tightly they were forced to stand, eat, and sleep in the same small area. The horrifically short chains forced some elephants to defecate and urinate on their food before eating it.
Elephants are intelligent, emotional animals who deserve protection — not exploitation for profit or spectacle.
We’re calling on Sri Lankan authorities to:
- Ban the chaining of elephants for festivals, tourism, and entertainment
- Prohibit decorative costumes that cover elephants’ ears and interfere with their natural ability to regulate heat
- Strengthen and enforce protections for captive elephants across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka must act now to end this cruelty and protect elephants from further suffering.
Please sign the petition today.
