Meet Raja, The Elephant Who Collects ‘Food Tax’ In Sri Lanka – News18

Last Updated:December 10, 2024, 13:34 IST

An Instagram video was posted by BBC Earth with a text that read, “It’s Raja’s world, we’re just living in it.”

The traditional road toll system has taken an unexpected turn in Sri Lanka, where vehicles traveling through a certain road have to pay a unique “food tax.” The road tolls have gone wild when an elephant has taken the role of a self-appointed toll collector. Fondly known as Raja, the 40-year-old elephant operates on his own terms, bringing a touch of whimsy to the daily commute.

While standing along the Buttala-Kataragama road in Sri Lanka, he swiftly stops the vehicles coming towards him and asks for food.

Once the vehicles stop, he uses his trunk to calmly and patiently ask for food from drivers and passengers. When the elephant is offered with the food, only then does he allow travellers to continue their journey. People believe that this tax collection began as a desperate search for food but has now evolved into a full-fledged tradition.

People aware of the ritual prepare for encounters with Raja by stocking up on fruits from roadside stalls. A major linkway, the Buttala-Kataragama road connects Sri Lanka’s west coast with the southeast coast that passes through wild animals and untamed jungle. Despite causing minor traffic congestion, Raja is treated with respect by locals, who view his tax collection as a fair practice.

An Instagram video was posted by BBC Earth with a text that read, “It’s Raja’s world, we’re just living in it.”

“Meet the elephant who collects road tax. Raja the elephant is well known in these parts of Sri Lanka – he’ll let you pass, but only for a price!,” read the caption. In the viral clip, he can be seen stopping the vehicle and asking for food from the people. The post garnered several likes and comments from the users where many praised him for his antics.

A user commented on the post writing, “The only corruption that’s acceptable,“ while another added, “This is where and how l want my tax to be paid.” A third one said, “Their area. Their rules!.” “GST= Gajraj Service Tax,”, another commented on the post.