The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi. Among those in attendance were Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K.R. Uduwawala,
Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens R.C. Rajapaksa, Deputy Director of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Mihiran Medawala, Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe, the Kegalle District Secretary, government officials, staff members, and a group of preschool children from the area.
To mark the 51st anniversary, the newly constructed “Freedom Elephant Enclosure” was officially declared open by the Minister this morning.
It is common for mature male Asian elephants to enter a periodic condition known as “musth” upon reaching sexual maturity. During this time, careful and systematic management is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and handlers.
Addressing this need, the new enclosure has been established in line with modern zoological and animal welfare concepts, providing adult male elephants with a more natural and spacious environment.
In line with the government’s policy framework “Sobamath Sri Lanka” under the theme “A Sustainable Bio World – An Evergreen Life,” commemorative cards were also distributed to preschool children during the ceremony.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Minister planted a sapling within the orphanage premises. A series of educational programs and staff welfare initiatives are also scheduled to coincide with the milestone. The center aims to further enhance elephant care techniques and scientific management practices in the years ahead.
