Majestic tusker that carried sacred Tooth Relic dies

Nadungamuwe Raja, the tusker carrying the sacred Tooth Relic casket at the Esala Perahera, Kandy, died around 5.30am yesterday (07).

The tusker, which was 69 years old at the time of his death, had carried the relic casket 13 times in the Dalada Perahera until last year.

The tusker, considered to be the largest elephant in Asia, walked every year from his home in Nadungamuwe to Kandy to take part in the Esela Perahera,.

The owner of the tusker, Dr. Harsha Dharmavijaya said the last rites of the elephant would be announced later.