Elephas maximus maximus or the Sri Lankan elephant is an animal that is very much intertwined with the country’s rich heritage and culture. Elephants have also been featured in the Sri Lanka arts field and those interested in viewing local works of art can view the collections offered by Sri Lankan Artists. It features an array of Sri Lanka artists showcasing diverse creations some of which feature elephants.
From days of old, elephants have roamed the island’s forests and jungles and today are somewhat of an iconic attraction in Sri Lanka. During the times of kings, these gentle giants were used not only as beasts of burden and war, but for religious ceremonies too. Even in present times, elephants are used for cultural festivals and religious pageants such as the famous Kandy Perahera. Dating back more than two centuries, this festival features quite a number of these mammals as they are decorated and led through a procession along the streets. Though numbers have dwindled, elephants can still be seen in the wild at several of the country’s national parks.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.