Janaraja carries sacred casket in Kandy procession after 25 years

The elephant "Janaraja" received the privilege of carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic casket during the second Kumbal procession of the historical Kandy Esala procession today (19).

This marks a special milestone as it happens after a quarter of a century.

Consequently, attention turned to the tusker carrying the casket of the procession for the first time in 25 years.

J.R. Jayewardene, the first Executive President of Sri Lanka, offered this elephant to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the animal is also known by the name "Arittha."

The elephant received the name "Janaraja" to commemorate Sri Lanka becoming a republic.