“Nedungamuwe Raja” (The King of Nedungamuwa) is the Present Noble Tusker who bears the “Sri Dalada Karanduwa” (Main casket contains Noble Relics of Gauthma Thathagatha Budhdha) at the procession of Esala in Kandy. Nadungamuwe Raja was a gift offered to the Neelammahara Weda Hamuduruwo (Buddhist monk of Neelammahara who practiced indigenous medical practice) by the Maharaja of Maisoor in India. Presently Tusker is owned by Nedungamuwe Harsha Dharmawijaya Weda Ralahami (Indigenous Doctor of Nedungamuwa.). Nedungamuwe Raja is a one of the Blessed tusker who has one of the longest pair of Tusks out of the living Tuskers in Asia and the world. Mahout Wilson Kodithuwakku is the official Mahout of the Tusker for 12 years and both Tusker and Mahout Wilson are at the same age of 65 years old for today (2016). Wife of Wilson Kodithuwakku passed away 15 years ago keeping him and son and daughter alone and making his life a bit challenging. Above set of photographs are an effort to portray the unassuming bond between Nedungamuwe Raja and Mahout Wilson Kodithuwakku
