Their use in movies is prohibited, except for government production under strict veterinary supervision, and their riders are allowed to drink alcohol at work.
“Those who own or supervise such elephants should ensure that the elephant trainer (rider) does not drink any alcohol or any harmful drugs during their employment,” Wildlife Conservation Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayaka (Wimalaweera Dissanayaka) ) Said in the gazette notice on Thursday.
Owners must send their animals for a physical examination every six months.
Those who violate the new law will leave their elephants under the custody of the state and may face up to three years in prison.
Catching wild elephants in Sri Lanka is a criminal offense, punishable by the death penalty, but is rarely prosecuted.
Animal rights activist And elephant experts claim that more than 40 elephants have been stolen from the National Wildlife Park in the past 15 years.
