COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — An elephant that was part of a Sri Lankan Buddhist procession attacked and killed a monk, police said today.

Police spokesman Priyantha Jayakody said three elephants were walking in the procession Sunday night when one suddenly went on a rampage and attacked the monk in the coastal town of Kochchikade, about 26 miles north of Colombo. The 25-year-old monk died at a hospital early today.

Colorfully decorated elephants are an important part of Buddhist religious processions and festivals. Temples and wealthy families often own the animals and rent them out for such events. However, animal rights activists say the elephants are often kept in inhumane conditions and receive insufficient food.