In a small office, almost tunnelled beneath the side of the temple, Mr Bandaranayake, Private Secretary, issues final orders. For months he has laboured over the arrangements, ensuring sufficient shelter, food and water for the multitudes of drummers, dancers, fire walkers, mahouts and elephants. On the hill the elephants continue to feed, at times scaping the grass with their feet then passing it to their mouth via their trunk. Some crush the small logs delivered to them each day for lunch. Others, with trunks stretched high into the tree canopy remove and relish a tasty morsel from a palm tree.
Young ones stay close to their mothers.
They are all tethered to their spot. Most are oblivious to the odd tourist who wanders up the hill to stand quietly and observe. Some are untethered by their mahouts and led to the grounds in front of the Temple. There, they perform in front of curious and bemused tourists, while their mahouts eagerly await the expected tip. Small boys offer plaited bracelets for sale.