P. Gnanawathi, who broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, passed away last week while receiving treatment at Nagoda General Hospital after a sudden illness. Her contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural and wildlife heritage spanned decades, making her a beloved figure among elephant enthusiasts and the broader public alike.
Gnanawathi began her journey into elephant care after marrying Sarath Gamini Rajapaksa of Dompe around 1985 and moving to Hadigalle. In 2005, she joined her husband in Ambatale to care for an elephant named Gune, a responsibility she maintained with dedication. By 2017, Gnanawathi was officially entrusted with the full care of Gune, becoming a household name in Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious processions. She actively participated in major events across Nuwara Eliya, Lankatilakaya, Nawagamu, Kelani, and Bellanwila, contributing to the grandeur and beauty of these traditional ceremonies.
In addition to her work with Gune, Gnanawathi also cared for elephants in the Deniyaya area around 2022, earning a modest salary for her tireless efforts. Her dedication to these majestic animals and her pioneering role as the first female elephant keeper highlighted her lifelong commitment to wildlife and tradition.
Mrs. Gnanawathi’s final rites were conducted at the Thumbagalle Crematorium in Baduraliya on the 21st, following her cremation at Agalawatta. Her passing leaves a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka’s cultural and environmental landscape, honoring a life devoted to elephants and the preservation of tradition.
