Sri Lanka, Oct. 25 -- The chief veterinarian at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy has denied reports that a Thai elephant under his care is unwell, following Bangkok's announcement that it intends to repatriate two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka decades ago.

Denial of poor health reports

Professor Ashoka Dangolla, head of the temple's elephant stables and the chief veterinary surgeon, asserted that the tusker Plai Pratu Pha is in good health and receiving proper care.

"I have not seen or heard of any requests from Thailand regarding these two elephants. Out of the two, the one in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is directly under my supervision. I am the chief veterinary surgeon," Professor Dangolla said.

He pr...