Sri Lanka forms panel after Thailand raises concern over health of gifted elephants

COLOMBO: (Oct 25) Sri Lanka has appointed a committee of veterinarians to examine two elephants gifted by Thailand, following concerns raised by Bangkok over their health condition, officials said on Saturday.

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakodi told reporters that preliminary checks by local veterinarians indicated that the animals “do not have any major health issues”.

“During musk, elephants tend to refuse food, which can make them weak. We will continue to follow the veterinarians’ advice and implement their recommendations,” Jayakodi said.