Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, will arrive in Colombo on 28 November for talks on the welfare of two Thai elephants gifted to Sri Lanka Plai Pratu Pha and Plai Srinarong currently housed at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said a team of veterinarians has been tasked with preparing a detailed health and nutrition report on the elephants, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the visit.

In Thailand, the issue has stirred public debate, with Deputy Prime Minister Chomklin assuring that discussions with Sri Lankan officials aim to ensure the elephants’ well-being through diplomatic and cooperative means.