Nadungamuwa Raja’s preserved remains on public display from today

2026-03-11 - 05:49

The Nadungamuwa Raja, Sri Lanka’s most revered tusker known for carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic casket for many years, was reconstructed and officially unveiled as a national artefact yesterday (March 10) at the Colombo National Museum. The event was attended by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Pradeep Nilanga Dela, owner of Nadungamuwa Raja – Dr. Harsha Dharmavijaya, and ‘Kalu Mama’, the handler of Nadungamuwa Raja, along with other dignitaries. The Department of National Museums confirmed that the reconstructed remains of Nadungamuwa Raja will be open for public viewing starting today (March 11). Nadungamuwa Raja had the privilege of carrying the golden casket of the Sacred Tooth Relic during the final Randoli Perahera of the Kandy Esala Perahera on 13 occasions and passed away on March 7, 2022. The tusker’s unique distinction lies in the fact that, unlike most ceremonial objects, Nadungamuwa Raja could only be transported on foot, reflecting the exceptional care and reverence shown during its participation in processions both at the Kandy Esala Perahera and other major processions across the country.