Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has shared an emotional tribute on his Facebook page following the death of Kawanthissa, a majestic tusker regarded as a living symbol deeply intertwined with Sri Lanka's history, religion, art and way of life.

Beginning his message with the words, "I believe that the forest itself has embraced its king, the great tusker Kawanthissa, into its heart for the final time," the former President reflected on the tusker's passing.

The full tribute shared by the former President on his Facebook page is as follows:

The Great Tusker Kawanthissa,

I believe that the forest itself has embraced its king, the great tusker, into its heart for the final time.

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