He says these jumbos should not be kept confined, and should instead be handed over to institutions that are capable of looking after them.

At Kataragama, there are more than enough fruits, as well as other foods for the elephants, says Kumarage.

At present, even the orphanage at Pinnawala is faced with a short supply of food for its elephants, he says.

He adds that the matter will be brought to the attention of the president again.