The elephant, believed to be over 40 years old, stands on the roadside and stops vehicles coming from both directions seeking food from the commuters. The elephant has now taken social media users by surprise.
Taking to Instagram, BBC Earth posted the video with a text description 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 of the post.
Take a look at the video here:
In the clip, Raja can be seen stopping the vehicle and asking for food from drivers and passengers. His approach is patient and calm, using his massive trunk to poke the drivers for food. Aware of this full-fledged tradition, people often buy fruits in advance to offer to him.
ALSO READ | Baby elephant travels 80 km through tiger-infested terrain looking for missing mother in Madhya Pradesh
The Buttala-Kataragama road is a major linkway, connecting Sri Lanka’s west coast with the southeast coast, passing through wild untamed jungle. Despite causing hassle on the road, locals treat the elephant with respect, offering him food.
The post garnered several likes and comments from the social media user. Many praised Raja’s entrepreneurial spirit, with one user commenting, “This is where and how I want my tax to be paid,” while another said, “These elephants are true businessmen.”
ALSO READ | After death of 10 elephants, Madhya Pradesh forms committee to improve wildlife management
Another comment mentioned, “Road is constructed through his own land, he has every right to collect tax.”
“For people saying it’s dangerous, I mean who’s gonna stop him? It’s called hustle!” a user reacted. One user even compared the elephant’s act to GST, “GST= Gajraj Service Tax.”
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
