Sri Lanka's Most Sacred Elephant Dies at 68

Sri Lanka's most sacred elephant passed away aged 68 on Monday, prompting an outpouring of grief among residents in the nation.

Nadungamuwa Raja was the most important among 100 elephants used in an annual pageant involving fire-eaters and drummers, tasked with carrying a golden casket of Buddhist relics on its back.

Schoolchildren, priests in saffron robes and an elderly lady with a Zimmer frame paid their respects to Raja, praying and touching its mighty tusks in reverence.

On his part, Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued a decree that the animal be declared a "national treasure" and ordered its remains be preserved "for future generations to witness," his office said.

A spokesperson revealed that Raja was due to be handed over to taxidermists later on Monday for stuffing after Buddhist funeral rites have been performed.

Media outlets reported that the elephant had an armed escort of elite commandos following an incident in 2015 when a motorcyclist almost rammed it while on an outing to attend a temple ceremony.