Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera today categorically denied allegations leveled against him with regard to a two and half year-old elephant calf found illegally kept inside the Alan Mathiniyaramaya Temple in Polhengoda.
“I did not capture elephants, visit a jungle to capture them, sell elephants, prepare false documents for elephants nor have I assisted such acts,” he told a media briefing.
Ven. Dhammaloka Thera said that he only came to know about the allegations against him through information in the internet.
He stated that ever since he came to the temple he has brought in stray dogs, cattle and also took in several homeless elderly people.
The Venerable Thera said that the elephant calf in question was found left behind following a ‘Pinkama’ held at the temple with the participation of 20-30 elephants.
“I even informed the relevant minister on the phone that such a thing has been left behind. He told me to keep it and that they would come up with a solution.”
