Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Gamini Jayawickrama Perera said that there were enough elephants in the country for the use in traditional events such as the Perahera.

Speaking to the media today, Perera said that there were around 148 such elephants in the country.

He was commenting on President Maithripala Sirisena's directive to bring tame elephants from abroad if it was necessary.

The Minister said that elephant owners will be invited to the ministry on June 10 and details would be collected on the available elephants.

Fifteen elephants allegedly kept in possession by various people without valid licenses were recently released till end of August on bonds by Colombo Magistrate's Court. One main argument was the shortage of elephants for the processions.

However, the Colombo High Court later stayed the Magistrate's order.