Srilanka, Aug. 28 -- The Kandy Esala Perahera has deep roots extending over 1,700 years, while the present-day procession associated with the Sacred Tooth Relic developed several centuries ago. Elephants have long been an important and magnificent feature of this tradition.

As children, many of us counted the elephants in the procession and believed that their number reflected the success of the Perahera. However, times have changed. Society is now more conscious of animal welfare, and the principle that change is inevitable must also be accepted.

Elephants are often chained during the Perahera for safety and control, but this restricts their freedom of movement and may cause injury. The organisers naturally fear that stricter laws and...