He told parliament yesterday (22) about the decision in response to a question raised by chief opposition whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

A committee will decide whom to give, and not even the subject minister will have a say, said Perera.

He said elephants other than presently being held on court orders will be utilized to form a pool of elephants for religious pageants, he said.

Owners of tame elephants have been consulted, according to him.