Most tamed elephants are being used by timber racketeers to carry logs mainly in the forest reserves of Ratnapura, Kegalla and Kalutara districts.

Also, around 55 elephants and tuskers are being used in the tourism industry in Habarana, Sigiriya, Kandalama and Pinnawala.

There have been allegations that these elephants are not being fed properly.

Under clause 22 (a) of the fauna and flora act, tamed elephants are registered only for use in cultural purposes.

However, almost 90 per cent of tamed elephants are being used by timber racketeers and in the tourism industry.