Matale court orders release of elephant

The Matale Magistrate Courts has also ordered the release of an elephant held in state custody at the Pinnawela orphanage.

The elephant was taken into custody from K. Tillakaratne, a resident of Ukuwela in Matale. Police who filed the case said he had not registered the elephant.

This week, the CID told court that the Attorney General was of the opinion that in terms of a new gazette notification, elephants could be registered to be kept in private premises and requested that the elephant be released to Mr. Tillakaratne. Accordingly the Magistrate ordered the release.