As a Buddhist, I am deeply disturbed by the animal cruelty inflicted upon elephants in Sri Lankan Buddhist temples, particularly during the Perahera festivals. I strongly believe we must preserve our traditions and cultures as I too value them. But as Buddhists, we must continue to practise them while radiating loving-kindness to all beings. 

Elephants are majestic creatures that are meant to roam freely in the wild, not be subjected to chains around their legs and necks while being paraded through crowded cities.

You can clearly see the distress and fear in these elephants' eyes as they are forced to participate in processions that expose them to loud noises and chaotic environments. This goes against the principles of compassion and non-violence that Buddhism teaches us. The case of Muthu Raja recently brought to light a very sad example of elephant mistreatment in Sri Lanka. 

It is disheartening to see how elephants, revered symbols of power and wisdom, are reduced to mere possessions within these temples. This practice not only contradicts our spiritual beliefs but also perpetuates a cycle of suffering for these gentle giants.

According to numerous reports from reputable organizations such as World Animal Protection (WAP) and National Geographic, captive elephants often endure physical abuse, inadequate living conditions, malnutrition, and psychological trauma. The use of bullhooks or ankuses – sharp tools resembling weapons – further exacerbates their suffering.

All creatures fear punishment,
All creatures fear death,
As you, too, do not wish to be punished or die, in the same way, refrain from harming or killing other beings.

- Dhamma Padaya - Danda Waggaya

As long as one does not suffer the repercussions of his evil activities, he considers them delightful and auspicious.
He realises his acts were wrong only after he starts suffering the repercussions.
As long as one does not get the benefits from the good deeds he has to do, he sees those good deeds as annoyance and inconvenience.
But once he begins to experience the pleasures and positive rewards of his good deeds, he will realise that his good deeds have provided him a source of great benefits.   

- Dhamma Padaya – Paapa Waggaya

Moreover, studies have shown that chaining elephants for extended periods can lead to severe physical ailments such as foot infections and joint problems. These magnificent creatures deserve better treatment than being confined within temple premises solely for human amusement or religious rituals.

I suggest using exquisitely crafted sedan chairs (Dolawa) for the same purpose instead of using animals to carry the sacred casket (Karadhuwa) in these Processions. This would alleviate much of the pain and suffering experienced by the animals. Traditions are established with the intention of evolving over time. If people refused to change their ways, the world would be many steps behind, and we would still be starting fires with sticks and stones. 

By signing this petition, we call upon Sri Lankan authorities responsible for overseeing Buddhist temples across the country:

1. Immediately cease using elephants in Perahera processions.
2. Implement strict regulations prohibiting keeping elephants within temple premises.
3. Establish sanctuaries where rescued or retired temple elephants can live out their lives with dignity.
4. Educate devotees about compassionate alternatives that do not involve animal exploitation.

Buddha only advocated for spreading loving kindness to all beings, living and non-living, and for letting go of attachment to material possessions. He has never asked for such processions to be held in his honour with such pointless intentions. These processions are only a disrespectful to Buddha.

Do Buddhists actually adhere to it?

According to Buddha's teaching, 

“The beings who are frightened because of defilements, those who are free from fear due to the elimination of defilements, all other long- large- medium- short- very small- tiny- huge, so on, all big or small living creatures, all the beings who are known or unknown, or they live far or near, the beings who are visible or invisible such as gods- inhuman- ghosts, who have been born or yet to be born but already have conceived, and so on, he should establish his loving-kindness mind of 'May all beings be healed' towards all beings, no matter who they are”                                                                     

- Karaniya Meththa Suthraya- Gauthama Buddha

Additionally, a story from the Yamaka Waggaya- Dhamma Padaya can serve as an illustration of the compassion Buddha had for animals, in this case, a particular elephant,

There was once a commotion among the monks when the Buddha was at Ghoshitharama in the City of Kosamba due to disciplinary and dhamma-based reasons.  Because of these monks' obstinacy, the Buddha left and travelled by himself to a forest known as "Parileiya." There was an elephant living alone in that forest as well. That elephant used to take care of the Buddha while he was residing in that forest, feeding him food like fruits and other items.

A few months later, the elephant was not pleased when the Buddha was about to leave the forest once more at the adamant request of the citizens of that city and the monks.

"Dear elephant!" said the Buddha. “In no way am I able to stop this journey. As an animal, you will never be able to obtain any kind of a fruit from the Path to 'Nirwana'.Because of this, kindly stop now and rejoice everything you have done for me”.

The elephant then started crying once more and kept walking after the Buddha.

The Buddha once more uttered these words to the elephant as he approached the village's boundary: "Parileyakaya! Because the land beyond this point is unsuitable for you, you should not move on from this location. Instead, kindly stop here. It is the area where people live and move around. that ground is full of danger for you, so you should not go forward''.

Together, we can put an end to this cruel practice and ensure a brighter future for these magnificent creatures. Sign this petition today to stand against animal cruelty in Sri Lankan Buddhist temples and advocate for the freedom and well-being of elephants.