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Buddhist monks, scientists and wildlife activists urge humane, scientific reforms to save Sri Lanka’s wildlife

Published

8 months ago

2025/07/24

A powerful alliance of Buddhist clergy, conservation scientists, animal welfare advocates, and corporate representatives has called on the government to abandon ad hoc animal control strategies and adopt science-backed, humane, and sustainable policies to protect Sri Lanka’s animals and ecosystems.

Speaking at a landmark press conference in Colombo, Venerable Pagoda Janithawansha Thera delivered a stirring appeal on behalf of Sri Lanka’s imperiled elephant population.

“Elephants are not just cultural icons — they are central to the biodiversity of our land,” he said. “Our failure to protect them is a moral failure, and one we must urgently correct with evidence-based strategies.”

He cited leading elephant expert Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, who has shown that while only 30% of the elephants’ natural habitat falls within designated protected areas, 70% of them now roam shared landscapes with humans — a recipe for continued conflict if mismanaged.

The Thera pointed out that attempts to forcibly confine elephants to protected zones have not worked. “We must stop short-sighted decisions and look at successful, long-term strategies — such as community-built and maintained electric fencing, which has proven to reduce conflict.”

The toll on elephants is harrowing. Between 2015 and 2024, nearly 600 elephants were killed — mostly in conflict with humans. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Just seven months into 2025, 224 elephant deaths have already been reported.

“These aren’t just statistics,” said conservationist Rukshan Jayawardene. “Each number represents a failure of policy and compassion.”

Another urgent issue raised was Sri Lanka’s unregulated street dog population. For more than a century, the 1893 Rabies Ordinance enabled a brutal catch-and-kill approach, which experts say is not only outdated but ineffective.

Animal rights lawyer Thanuja Navaratne said the shift in 2006 to a sterilization and vaccination strategy, under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was a step forward — but it was never properly funded or implemented.

“It’s not just about logistics,” said Dr. Krishanthi Rondon Fuentes of the Animal Wellness Trust. “There’s no central agency with clear responsibility, no regulation of backyard breeders, and too many owned dogs are allowed to roam.”

According to past surveys, nearly half of street dogs in Colombo are actually owned, but are allowed to wander — fuelling the cycle of reproduction and abandonment.

Activist Sharmini Ratnayake of the Animal Welfare Trust highlighted that countries like Bhutan, Singapore, and India have all demonstrated the effectiveness of science-based sterilisation campaigns.

“Bhutan, in keeping with its Buddhist ethos, achieved 100% sterilisation and vaccination of its dog population in just one year,” she noted. “And in cities like Vadodara and Lucknow in India, sterilisation is nearing 90%, effectively ending the cycle of overpopulation.”

A Sri Lankan veterinary expert emphasised that sterilising 400,000 female dogs over two years, followed by sustained effort, could eliminate the problem within one parliamentary term — as most street dogs live only 4–6 years.

Addressing the recent controversy over monkey population control in rural areas, Dr. Ranil Senanayake, Chairman of Earthrestoration P/L, called for an end to violent methods and proposed a non-lethal, scientifically grounded approach.

“We must stop handing guns to villagers. There are better ways,” he said. “Feeding stations with food laced with progesterone can safely and effectively reduce monkey reproduction — a method tested decades ago.”

He urged policymakers to align wildlife management with Sri Lanka’s Buddhist values of ahimsa (non-violence).

Participants from over a dozen animal welfare groups — including Animal SOS, Justice for Animals, Tails of Freedom, and the Animal Welfare and Protection Association — issued a unified message:

“We’re not lacking in knowledge or examples,” said Iromi Salgado of the AWPA. “What we’re lacking is political will, coordination, and long-term commitment.”

Environmental educator Jayantha Wijesinghe stressed that without immediate reform, Sri Lanka risks not only the loss of its biodiversity but also its moral standing in the region.

“We have the wisdom of our faith, the evidence from science, and examples from across the world,” he said. “Let’s choose compassion and intelligence over cruelty and neglect.”

The joint press conference concluded with a clear call: implement proven, humane solutions now — before more animals and humans suffer needlessly.

By Ifham Nizam

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

4 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

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 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.

News

Lanka tea industry may lose $ 10-15 mn per week from ME war

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/8

Thilina Walpola

The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has adversely impacted on the Sri Lankan tea industry as the exporters are unable to supply tea to the region. The exporters estimate the revenue loss at about $ 10-15 million per week. The exporters have orders in hand for supply of tea and it is the logistical issues and war risk preventing them fulfilling such orders, the Tea Exporters Association (TEA) said in a statement.

“In order to mitigate the impact on the industry, the tea industry has jointly requested the government to support it in addressing the cash flow issue and consider absorbing a part of the additional freight and insurance charges. It has also requested government intervention to obtain the balance payment of about $ 50 million due on tea shipments already made to Iran under the barter deal,” TEA said on Friday.

The statement said approximately 52% of Sri Lanka’s tea exports reach the affected region mainly coming from the low grown area of the country dominated by tea smallholder farmers. According to 2025 tea export statistics, about 125 million kilograms of Ceylon tea were exported to the Middle East, with an estimated value of USD 750 million. The major importing countries of Ceylon Tea in the region include Iraq, Iran, Libya, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Though Libya and Turkey can be reached via Africa, the exorbitant freight charges have prevented the buyers in those countries from importing tea at the moment.

The supply routes to Middle East countries go via Strait of Hormuz and Red sea Suez Canal. Although there is no blockade on Suez Canal, due to the war risk both channels are currently not used by the major shipping lines. The tea exports to the region have almost come to a standstill due to the following reasons:

=All major shipping lines suspended their services to the region immediately after the outbreak of the conflict.

=Several seaports in the region were temporarily closed during the initial stages.

= Although a few shipping lines resumed limited operations from March 4, freight charges have

increased significantly by approximately USD 1,800 for a 20’ container and USD 3,000 for a 40’ container.

= Existing insurance coverage obtained by exporters is no longer valid.

=There is a lack of regular and scheduled vessels operating from Colombo to Middle Eastern destinations.

The tea exporters are experiencing serious cash flow constraints, as payments for shipments already

dispatched have been delayed due to the unsettled situation in the region. This has restricted exporters’

buying capacity and that was evident at this week’s tea auction, where overall prices declined by about Rs. 50/ per kg while low grown tea prices declined by about Rs. 75/ per kg.

If the situation continues for few more weeks it will have a serious impact on the tea auction as buyers may curtail the purchase of tea if the outward movements are restricted. This could directly impact on the income of the tea smallholder farmers.

In January 2026, the country earned $ 121.8 million from tea exports compared to $ 112.7 million in January 2025 (a 5% increase). The figures for February 2026 are not yet available but should be either similar to last year or higher. The disruption to tea exports in March will certainly affect the volume and value of the exports though the exact amounts cannot be estimated at this point.

According to the available data Sri Lanka has settled about 95% of its debt to Iran by supplying tea to Iran under the Tea for Oil mechanism. Even if the military conflict comes to an end, Sri Lanka will find it difficult to continue to supply tea to Iran unless a new mechanism is introduced. Under the prevailing US sanctions on Iran, the exporters may not be able to supply tea to Iran outside the barter system. Iran purchases about 11 million kg of tea from Sri Lanka annually under the barter deal.

The situation was discussed with the Minister of Plantation & Community Infrastructure at a meeting held on March 4, 2026.