Srilankan Elephants

The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. The species is pre-eminently threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.^[1]
Elephas maximus maximus is the type subspecies of the Asian elephant, first described by Carl Linnaeus under the binominal Elephas maximus in 1758.^[2]
The Sri Lankan elephant population is now largely restricted to the dry zone in the north, east and southeast of Sri Lanka. Elephants are present in Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, Lunugamvehera National Park, Wilpattu National Park and Minneriya National Park but also live outside protected areas. It is estimated that Sri Lanka has the highest density of elephants in Asia. Human-elephant conflict is increasing due to conversion of elephant habitat to settlements and permanent cultivation.^[3]

Srilankan Pandals

Srilankan pandals are normally exhibited in Vesak,Poson & Esala Poya days.

A pandal is fabricated structure, either temporary or permanent, in a religious ceremony, like wedding or public worship or a public gathering.

In Sri Lanka, Vesak thorang pandals are set up during the Vesak festival, with illuminated panels illustrated with episodes from the life of the Gautama Buddha and Jathaka Katha or stories based on Buddhist culture. This is very special for Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka is the only place we can find this kind of ritual. Basic concept of Vesak Pandal is a making Creative massive structures decorated with thousands of electric bulbs and large number of paintings mount on a huge supporting structure. This supporting structure traditionally build by Puwak Gasa (Arriconut trees) this is a very creative invention and high expertise of electricians participating to work out this, so many light systems flashing on the pandal face randomly time to time. It is very beautiful and colorful experience. Also different and dedicated expert group participating to this whole process and it comes passing through generation to generation or master to student. Most significant part of this is using simple but intelligent way to creates lighting systems on pandal face. Most of the time this is a 2D structure. Pandals are also set up during Gammaduwa (village rebirth) festivals, honouring the goddess Pattini.
Pandal (မဏ္ဍပ် or mandat in Burmese, from Pali mandapa) also refers to platforms from which people splash water during the new year celebrations of the Thingyan festival.^[1]
A pandal can also be a ceremonial gate, built to welcome visitors.
A city in The Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state is named as 'Pandalur'