Amidst the ongoing saga surrounding Thai Raja or Wijeraja, the elephant offered to the revered Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, former Diyavadana Nilame Mr. Neranjan Wijayaratne has declared his intent to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the funds spent on the elephant’s upkeep if made to return Thai Raja to Thailand.
Expressing concern over the potential repatriation of the elephant to Thailand, Wijayaratne emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the offering, stating that it should not be taken lightly.
The Thai Raja elephant arrived in Sri Lanka on February 24, 1986, and was officially presented to the Dalada Maligawa on the following day. Since then, it has received meticulous care from esteemed veterinary experts such as Vijitha Kuruvita, Neville Silva, and Ashoka Dangolla. Wijayaratne highlighted the religious importance of the elephant’s presence in the temple, equating offerings to the Dalada Maligawa with offerings to Buddha himself.
Recent inquiries made by the sister of Thailand’s environment minister regarding the presence of Thai Raja have only added fuel to the already contentious situation.
It has been reported that due to recent illness, Thai Raja or Wijeraja has been temporarily accommodated in the tranquil surroundings of Suduhumpola Rajamaha Vihara.
