Panamure Eth Gala and 'Diya Bubula'

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The huge wall made out of the large tree logs which kept elephants trapped @ Panamure Elephant Kraal

During the final elephant kraal held at Panamure Elephant Kraal in 1950, a dramatic incident unfolded involving a powerful wild bull elephant. When the herd was driven into the stockade, a matriarch reportedly attempted to break through the enclosure with the rest of the herd. The large bull who was mating with the matriarch became increasingly agitated when the matriarch was noosed and charged at the trained elephants brought in to subdue him.

Importance of the Kraal of 1950

The Panamure Elephant Kraal of 1950 occupies an important place in the history of Sri Lanka for several reasons. Most notably, the last elephant kraal ever conducted in the country took place at this location in 1950. The event became widely remembered because of the extraordinary resistance shown by a defiant wild bull elephant that refused to be captured.

The animal was eventually shot dead after repeated attempts to restrain him failed. Public outrage over the killing was immense and led to significant policy changes. The government subsequently introduced legislation prohibiting elephant kraals and restricting the capture and killing of elephants, marking a turning point in the protection of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. The bull later became a symbolic figure in popular memory and came to be known as Panamure Eth Raja.

History of Elephant Kraals in Panamure

Historically, elephant kraals had been organized at Panamure on twelve occasions: in 1896, 1898, 1902, 1907, 1912, 1914, 1918, 1922, 1924, 1929, 1944, and finally in 1950. The kraal grounds formed part of a vast tract of approximately 99,000 acres (about 40,065 hectares) of virgin forest belonging to Francis Molamure. The kraal itself was constructed around a natural water spring known locally as Diya Bubula.

Panamure “Eth Raja“

The body of the defiant Panamure Eth Raja - Panamure Elephant KraalThe body of the defiant Panamure Eth Raja - Panamure Elephant Kraal

During the attempts to capture the bull elephant in 1950, the animal was successfully noosed twice with strong ropes made from hide, but each time it managed to break free through sheer strength. On a third attempt, the elephant even broke a wire noose, becoming increasingly aggressive.

None of the trained elephants used in the kraal dared approach the enraged animal. Eventually, a decision was made to shoot the bull. A single rifle shot fired between the eyes by a hunter brought the massive elephant down. Ironically, this single death triggered a public outcry so strong that it ultimately ended Elephant Kraals in the country and ensured the long-term protection of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants.

The Spring of Diya Bubula

The kraal was built around a natural perennial spring known as Diya Bubula, sometimes simply called Bubula. This spring forms a steady stream that flows throughout the year and has long served as an important water source for wildlife in the surrounding forest.

In earlier times, the spring also supported the farming activities of the residents of Panamure by providing a reliable supply of water. Local elders recount an unusual phenomenon connected with the spring. According to tradition, when elephants gathered near the Bubula and began trumpeting, the flow of water increased noticeably. A similar effect was believed to occur when people approached the spring and spoke loudly. The villagers regarded the spring with deep respect and would not even point toward it directly when indicating its location.

In recent years, however, illegal gem mining and other human activities have altered the natural flow of water in the area. A separate stream has been diverted into the Bubula, and the natural discharge of the spring itself has diminished. The spring lies within the stream bed and becomes clearly visible only when the water level in the stream drops significantly.

Although the visible flow from the Bubula appears modest, the spring generates a surprisingly strong stream when combined with the natural gradient and speed of the watercourse.

Reaching the Diya Bubula

The spring lies within the grounds of the former elephant kraal. To reach it, visitors must walk across the kraal site (Eth Gala) until they reach a moderate-sized stream. From there, proceed upstream for a short distance. The stream soon divides in a “Y” formation created by two tributaries joining together.

Follow the left branch of the “Y.” After walking a few meters, another small stream joins this branch from the left side. Cross this secondary stream and continue along the original branch for several more meters. The Diya Bubula, which forms the source of the stream, can be found a short distance ahead.

The total distance that needs to be covered upstream from the kraal grounds to reach the spring is approximately 70 meters.

Path to the Diya Bubula @ Panamure Elephant Kraal

directions to Diya Bubula @ Panamure Elephant Kraal

Due the drought the upper stream has dried up exposing the Bubula at Panamure Eth Gala

The orange color water stream generated by the Bubula at Panamure Eth Gala

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