News
Mali, ‘World’s Saddest Elephant,’ dies alone in captivity
An elephant known as “the world’s saddest elephant” has died at the Manila Zoo.During a news conference on Wednesday, Mayor Honey Lacuna announced that Mali the elephant —deemed the “saddest” by some because she was the only captive elephant in the Philippines and lived alone in a pen for decades — had recently died from health complications.
Mali, whose full name was Vishwamali, and her captivity caught the attention of many animal activists, including Paul McCartney.
In 2013, while working with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Paul McCartney raised awareness about Mali’s solitary life. He asked authorities to move the animal to an elephant sanctuary. Writing to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in 2013, McCartney said, “With the stroke of a pen, you can bring an end to her suffering, and I urge you, with all my heart, to please direct that Mali be given that joy now.” Others involved in the “Free Mali” movement included Pamela Anderson and Dr. Jane Goodall.
According to PETA U.K., during her years at the zoo, Mali experienced “intense confinement, loneliness, boredom and isolation.” The organization added that while an elephant sanctuary was prepared to take Mali in, the elephant was kept in captivity in Manila, where she was considered an integral part of the zoo.
On Tuesday, Mali, who was confirmed to have cancer and an aorta blockage after her death, was seen lying on her side and breathing heavily, Dr. Heinrich Patrick Peña-Domingo, the chief veterinarian at the Manila Zoo, said at the news conference, according to BBC News. She was also rubbing her trunk against a wall, signaling that she was in pain. While vets gave her antihistamines and vitamins, Mali died the same day.
While many fought against the conditions Mali dealt with, others didn’t see the elephant’s captivity as unfavorable. “She might seem alone, but she had us beside her,” Mayor Lacuna said in the Facebook conference video. “She was the face that greeted everyone who visited Manila Zoo. She is a part of our lives.”
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Lacuna said she would ask Sri Lanka to donate another elephant to the Manila Zoo, as they did with Mali. In response, animal rights activists said they would fight to ensure that another elephant doesn’t end up at the zoo alone.
In a statement, PETA Asia said, “Because of indifference and greed, Mali the elephant died the same way she had lived for nearly 50 years: alone in a concrete pen at the Manila Zoo… People everywhere can do their part to protect other elephants by staying away from any business that puts animals on display for entertainment.”
On X, PETA Asia added, “We’re so sorry, Mali. You deserved better.” – people.com
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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