Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today allowed for the release of 15 elephants kept by various individuals allegedly without proper licenses, on a bond of Rs. 10 million for each elephant. 

The order was given by the Magistrate despite objection by the Attorney General and civil organizations who appeared as interested parties. 

The order was given after the claimed owners pointed out that there was a shortage of elephants for perahera events to be held in the coming months. 

The elephants will be released until the end of August this year. The bond is expected to be raised to Rs 30 million for each elephant when the case is taken up in June.