In a charming and unusual display of determination, an elephant named Raja in Sri Lanka has become a viral sensation by using his own method to collect a “food tax” from passing vehicles. Known for his punctuality and persistence, Raja has become a beloved figure along the Buttala-Kataragama road, where he halts vehicles and requests food from drivers.
At around 40 years old, Raja is a seasoned “tax collector.” As vehicles approach, he stands by the road, blocking traffic, and uses his trunk to poke drivers, signaling for food. While some drivers attempt to negotiate or offer him less than he desires, Raja’s insistence on his “food tax” often wins out. Only after receiving his requested treats does the determined elephant allow travelers to continue on their way.
Locals believe that Raja’s food collection habit started as a desperate search for sustenance, but over time, it has turned into a well-established routine. Residents passing by now anticipate his “tax collection” and often stop at nearby wayside stalls to buy fruits, ready to offer them to the road-blocking elephant.
Despite Raja’s occasional obstruction of traffic, the locals have come to respect his unusual practice, viewing it as a fair and almost charming part of life in the area.
On social media, Raja’s antics have sparked widespread amusement and admiration. “This is where and how I want my tax to be paid,” one user wrote, while another added, “For people saying it’s dangerous, I mean who’s gonna stop him? It’s called hustle!” A third comment read, “These elephants are true businessmen. Look how patiently he’s dealing with the drivers.”
Elephants hold great cultural significance in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Buddhist community, where they are revered. According to local belief, before Buddha’s birth, his mother dreamed of a majestic white elephant, and it is thought that Buddha may have lived as an elephant in some of his past lives.
Raja’s dedication to his food tax collection has turned him into a local celebrity, blending the sacred and the hustle in a way that has captured the hearts of both locals and online audiences alike.
Sources By Agencies
