&sq=&lang=&file=File:Photograph_of_Raja_(elephant)_with_Hon_J.R_Jayewardene_%26_Dr._Nissanka_Wijeyeratne.jpg) Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Nissanka Wijeyeratne & President of Sri Lanka J. R. Jayewardene with 'Raja' tusker in Mid 1983 Kandy, Sri Lanka | |
| Species | Sri Lankan Elephant |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1913 Eravur, Sri Lanka |
| Died | 16 July 1988 (aged 75) Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Resting place | Raja Tusker Museum |
| Notable role | Main casket bearer of the procession of Esala |
| Years active | 1937 - 1987 |
| Predecessor | Dhanthaloota |
| Successor | Heiyantuduwa Raja |
| Owner | Sri Dalada Maligawa |
Raja (Sinhala: රාජා ඇතා - Raja Atha) (also known as Maligawa Raja, 1913 - 16 July 1988) was a Sri Lankan tusker elephant belonging to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. Raja participated at the annual Esala procession in Kandy for around 50 years and was the sacred casket bearer of the final Randoli perehera for 37 years.[1] He was one of the most celebrated elephants in Asia during his lifetime, and was world famous for his noble behavior.[2] On 20 August 1986 former Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayewardene declared Raja as a national treasure, in recognition of his valuable services to the religion and culture of Sri Lanka.[3]
- ^ Senevirathne, Asha (10 August 2008). "Selection of tuskers to carry the relic casket". Sunday Observer online. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
- ^ Clines, Francis X. (1 July 1987). "Raja of Sri Lanka: A Prince Among Elephants". United States. The New York Times. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
- ^ "Raja at Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple of the Tooth". Elephant Database. Retrieved 15 September 2012.