Sri Lanka, Aug. 11 -- The Government is taking steps to introduce a stronger regulatory framework for captive elephants in Sri Lanka, including their use in cultural and religious pageants.

The Ministry of Environment has appointed a committee chaired by its Additional Secretary for Policy, Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs to review the proposed "2026 Registration and Licensing of Elephants Regulations."

The draft regulations have been prepared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing the proposed regulations, making recommendations and submitting a report on the welfare of captive elephants and procedures governing their deployment at cultural and religious events.

The Ministry s...