Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus){ in Sinhala we call "අලියා" } are the largest subspecies of the Asian elephant and are native to the island of Sri Lanka. Known for their majestic appearance and gentle behavior, these elephants play a vital role in Sri Lankan culture, religion, and biodiversity. They are commonly seen in national parks like Udawalawe and Minneriya, especially during the famous “Gathering” — one of the world’s largest elephant congregations. These gentle giants are often seen enjoying their lives in the lakes, bathing, playing, and cooling off under the tropical sun. Traditionally, they are also part of religious processions such as the Kandy Esala Perahera. Despite their cultural importance, Sri Lankan elephants face threats due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.