You can watch the elephants bath in the local river. Once you look into the reason why and how, you need to make up your own mind on the scenario. I took up the option to wash the matriarch of the herd. She is a beautiful animal and I am thankful to get close and wash her, she made sure I was wet as well! Having been to other countries where orphaned animals are left to die, I am glad these gentle giants do have an option here. Yes, it is a tourist attraction, but feed needs to come from somewhere. (You can decide) If you are in the area I would go. BTW, we have travelling Sri Lanka very safe! There have been some great sites!