“I will ensure that ‘Isira’ continues to roam free” – Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara

Text and pictures by PRIYAN DE SILVA

The Convener of the Protect Sri Lanka Organisation Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera said that he would do everything possible to ensure that the juvenile tusker ‘Isira’ would continue to roam free at the Ridiyagama Safari Park managed by the National Zoological Department.

Ven. Ananda Sagara Thera said that he had received information of plans to gift Isira to a religious institution.

Isira was born at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage on 13th September 2011. Its parents were said to be Kamani and Vasabha. Isira was just over five years old when it was separated from its mother and moved to the Ridiyagama Safari Park on 26 September 2016 and has roamed free ever since.

The Thera said that no one including decision-makers had the right to deprive Isira or any other animal of their freedom.