Muthu Raja (Sak Surin) departs to Thailand for medical treatment

Muthu Raja (Sak Surin), the elephant needing urgent medical attention left on a special charter flight from Bandaranaike International Airport today morning to Thailand, after a near six hour long operation to transport the animal from the Zoological gardens at Dehiwala.

A Russian flight departed the BIA at 7.35 am.

The elephant, in a carefully planned operation, was first loaded into the crate around midnight and then transported on a long vehicle escorted by a police vehicle. After a three-hour journey, the loading of the animal took place.
Muthu Raja was prepared for the journey for several weeks while on Friday religious ceremonies were held before the departure of the elephant.

The Thai Ambassador Poj Harnpol in an exclusive interview to the Sunday Times  assured that the tusker will be returned to Colombo after the animal fully recovers.

However,  it was not clear how long would be the recovery period.

But, animal rights activist here are calling to retain the elephant in Thailand after treatment. 

The animal rights group known as  RARE (Rally for Animal Rights and Environment) along with other organistions have been playing a key role looking into the welfare of the affected elephant Sak-Surin

Director of RARE Panchali Panapitiya said the their request is that after the animal is taken back to Thailand and treated to its ailments it should be sent into retirement in their own country in an atmosphere where it could be held without chains and without using bullhooks.

Meanwhile, the incident has exposed the Wildlife Department for its failure to act on complaints about the animal for the past three years.

The Department’s Legal Officer Ranjan Marasinghe has reportedly said that the Department could not act as the animal did not come under its purview after being gifted from a foreign country and then handed over by a decree.

However Environment Lawyer, Jagath Gunawardena pointed out that they could have get the police to act on charges of animal cruelty. 
The elephant was allegedly ill-treated during its long stay at Kande Viharaya, Aluthgama. 

PIX BY M.A.PUSHPAKUMARA AND T.K.G.kAPILA