In Sri Lanka, elephants kept in temples to be used in religious rituals are beaten, starved and subjected to daily abuse. The government seems to have no authority or political will to intervene and stop this horrific cruelty. One of the most terrible examples is Myan Prince, a 13 year old male elephant at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Temple in Sri Lanka. Draped in heavy chains and tethered on a very short chain, Myan Prince is regularly beaten-- people living near temple report hearing his cries of agony.  The chief monk, Ven. Bellanvila Seelarathana Thero justifies this sadistic abuse as "discipline" and refuses to allow government inspectors access to his captive. Just be aware that if you visit Sri Lanka as a tourist, you are supporting the terrible suffering of temple elephants that's going on behind the scenes every single day. Think about that when you read ads for Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches and resorts. Don't spend your tourism money and reward countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand where elephants, tigers and other wild animals are subject to brutal  treatment while the government turns a blind eye. The only way this will stop is if tourism revenue dries up and we have the power to make that happen.