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Animal welfare groups call for humane collaboration at Royal Colombo Golf Club
A coalition of animal welfare organizations and individual advocates has called on The Royal Colombo Golf Club to collaborate on humane solutions for managing community dogs, amid concerns over proposed internal regulations scheduled for discussion on February10, 2026.
In a joint letter addressed to the Club’s President, Captain, and Committee, the groups urge management not to proceed with clauses 8A.5.1–8A.5.3 in their current form, arguing that blanket prohibitions on feeding or caring for community animals may lead to unintended and harmful consequences.
Instead, the coalition has offered to work with the Club and like-minded members to implement sterilization, vaccination, identification, and controlled feeding in a designated peripheral area away from the golf course itself. They say this approach aligns with internationally recognized best practice and Sri Lanka’s public health objectives.
The groups have also raised serious concerns about past actions allegedly taken in 2025, during which, they claim, community dogs were captured and removed from the premises and dumped elsewhere without due process. They argue that such actions, if verified, would be inconsistent with Sri Lankan law and established animal welfare standards.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance No. 13 of 1907 causing unnecessary suffering to animals—including through improper transport, abandonment, or displacement—is an offence. Animal welfare advocates note that forcibly relocating community dogs often results in injury, starvation, territorial conflict, and increased rabies risk, and is widely discouraged by veterinary authorities.
“Removal is not a solution—it creates a vacuum,” said one campaigner. “Sterilized and vaccinated dogs stabilize an area. Dumping them elsewhere only transfers suffering and risk.”
The coalition stresses that their appeal is not confrontational but collaborative. They point out that humane dog management programmes have been successfully implemented in other high-profile and sensitive locations in Sri Lanka, with the cooperation of management and staff.
“This is an opportunity for the Royal Colombo Golf Club to demonstrate leadership,” the letter states, “by adopting a humane, lawful, and socially responsible approach consistent with its heritage and standing.”
As public awareness grows, animal welfare groups say they hope the Club will engage openly and choose dialogue over division.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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