Sri Lanka, Aug. 4 -- Around 95% of mahouts participating in the Kandy Esala Perahera suffer from serious oral health issues due to regular consumption of betel quid and alcohol, said Dr. Indika Weerasekara, Consultant Dental Surgeon at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital.

He further revealed that a significant number of mahouts are also addicted to cigarettes, and some have even turned to dangerous narcotics.

This was disclosed following a special Medical Clinic held on August 3 within the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises, the first of its kind organised to examine the health conditions of mahouts who have come from across the country to participate in the Perahera.

Dr. Weerasekara stated that many mahouts are unaware or unconcerned about the...