News
Animal welfare advocates proposes measures to regulate pet ownership
In the absence of a unified framework to regulate pet ownership, Sri Lanka’s animal
‑welfare advocates has unveiled a sweeping proposal to register, monitor and humanely manage the country’s dog and cat populations.
Under the plan, every privately owned animal would be entered into a national database maintained by the Department of Animal Production and Health. At the point of registration, a small DNA sample would be taken to build a comprehensive genetic profile, and each animal would be issued a unique identification number linked to its owner’s contact information.
Once registered, municipalities or accredited non
‑governmental organisations would operate an animal‑care centre in each major town. Stray or unregistered animals found roaming freely would be brought to these centres, where veterinary staff would verify their status, provide any needed medical attention and update their records. The centres could operate under private‑sector licences or be managed directly by state veterinary services, ensuring consistent standards of care across the country.
A cornerstone of the initiative is a sustained sterilization campaign: every dog and cat entering a care centre would undergo spay or neuter surgery before being returned to its owner, adopted or—if truly unclaimed—released. Advocates project that, through continuous centre
‑based sterilisation efforts, Sri Lanka’s stray population could be brought under control in approximately ten years.
“To solve the problem of stray dogs roaming across Sri Lanka, a coordinated national
‑level process is essential,” said Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Environment. “With animal monitoring, registration and sterilization, we can confront this issue head‑on,” he said.
Supporters of the proposal now hope to secure parliamentary approval for the regulatory framework and funding for pilot centres by year’s end. If adopted, the plan would mark the first time Sri Lankan authorities have the tools to track every pet, ensure responsible ownership and put an end to decades of unchecked stray‑dog growth.
By Ifham Nizam
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
AKD: Govt. agenda on track despite Ditwah disaster
SL to receive 10 helicopters from US
Foreign couple held over alleged biopiracy at Horton Plains
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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