News

Proposed action against wild animals: Minister Lalkantha has undermined NPP manifesto, says MONLAR

Published

1 year ago

2024/12/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Lalkantha

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha’s recent statement that there are no legal restrictions on taking measures against wildlife that damage crops on private agricultural lands encourages farmers to violate the law, says Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR).

Chamikara noted that such remarks undermined the principles outlined in the government policy declaration “A Prosperous Country, A Beautiful Life,” which emphasises fostering responsible citizens, developing human resources, and upholding the rule of law. “This shows that government Ministers are disregarding these principles. The legislative power granted to the government by the people, after the defeat of corrupt and authoritarian regimes in the past, was not intended to enable breaches of agreements made with the public within such a short period,” Chamikara said.

Under Section 53A of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance No. 02 of 1937, as last amended by Act No. 07 of 2022, the use of poisons, explosives, or intoxicants to kill or immobilise wild animals is strictly prohibited. Section 52 of the Act further makes it illegal to use artificial lighting to dazzle or lure animals or to act in a way that facilitates their capture.

“Additionally, Section 52A prohibits the use of food items, scents, colours, or any material or device to attract or entice animals for capture. Section 53A also forbids the possession of any animal killed or captured using poisons, explosives, or intoxicants,” Chamikara said.

According to Section 58, individuals guilty of such offences face penalties of fines between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 30,000, imprisonment for one to two years, or both. Section 59 clarifies that anyone who attempts or abets the commission of these offences is equally culpable and subject to the same penalties.

Chamikara warned that if Minister Lalkantha’s suggestion to control wild animals on private agricultural lands like other agricultural pests is acted upon, it would result in direct violations of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, carrying severe penalties. “By encouraging farmers to engage in illegal activities, the Minister has effectively facilitated potential breaches of the law,” he said.

Under Section 59 of the Act, legal action could also be taken against Minister Lalkantha for abetting these offences. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse, a principle that applies equally to the Minister. Moreover, misleading farmers constitutes a significant injustice that warrants accountability,” he added.

Chamikara said that crop damage by wild animals is not only a legal fact but also common knowledge, and the underlying causes of this behaviour are well understood. “Wild animals have been forced into these situations due to human actions, such as the destruction and fragmentation of natural ecosystems for human settlements, commercial agricultural lands, and development projects. The introduction of non-native plantations like acacia, pine, eucalyptus, and teak, along with the spread of monoculture crops such as tea, rubber, coconut, oil palm, and maize, have exacerbated the issue. Additionally, invasive plants such as giant mimosa, lantana, and thorny creepers have proliferated in natural habitats, providing neither food nor shelter for wildlife,” he said.

These factors, Chamikara said, have caused species like monkeys, toque macaques, porcupines, wild boars, and peacocks to lose their habitats and foraging grounds, forcing them onto agricultural lands. He added that the reduction and fragmentation of natural habitats have also limited natural predators, leading to population increases in these species.

“In response, Schedule I of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance designates certain mammals, including monkeys, toque macaques, wild boars, porcupines, and hares, as non-protected due to their status as agricultural pests. Similarly, Schedule III lists non-protected birds such as the Indian nightjar, crows, feral pigeons, spotted doves, and white-backed munias,” Chamikara said.

However, these animals and birds are deemed non-protected only within private agricultural lands. Even so, they cannot be controlled using chemicals, poisons, electrical traps, or intoxicants. Their control is permissible only through the use of a licensed firearm, as stipulated by law.

“To better address the issue of crop-damaging species, it is recommended that the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance be revised. Species like toque macaques and hares, which contribute minimally to crop damage, should be removed from Schedule I. Instead, more impactful species, such as toque langurs, should be included. Similarly, birds like feral pigeons and white-backed munias could be replaced with peacocks in Schedule III, as they contribute significantly to crop damage. This would ensure that the non-protected lists focus solely on species with substantial impact on agriculture,” Chamikara said.

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National SME Strategy Framework 2026 is critical because it brings policy consistency and stability to the sector – PM

Published

16 hours ago

2026/05/15

Priyan

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 2nd day of the dialog on “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” organized by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development held on Thursday [14th of May].

The official launch of the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), was held on Wednesday (13) under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Framework has been developed by the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, with input from the SME Advisory Committee and key system stakeholders in line with the national manifesto of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”

This framework creates the opportunity for the entrepreneurs to easily register their businesses, access modern technology, and obtain specialized financial facilities along with the advisory services that directly support the growth of entrepreneurs, departing from the traditional method free of charge.

The second day marks the dialog on the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” focusing on the discussion into implementation and strategy to action featuring series of panel discussions.

During the event National SME Strategy Framework 2026 was presented to the Prime Minister by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Prime Minister stated that the country is implementing its transformative agenda during a period of global instability and disruptive global context stressing the importance of adaptation, sustainability and building resilience, particularly within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in such context.

Underscoring the importance of the SME policy framework, the Prime Minister further stated that the government’s role is to ensure consistency, stability and collaboration within the sector.

The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Australian Deputy High commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms. Ruth Baird and Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mrs. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara and develop and develop partners and representatives from business community.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Opposition accuses govt. of weaponising tax laws

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Sajith

… calls for modernising Inland Revenue Dept.

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday criticised the government’s proposed amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, claiming that a new provision in the draft legislation could unfairly lead to criminal action against ordinary citizens and small business owners over administrative tax-related matters.

In a statement, Premadasa said the public was “not angry about paying taxes” but was frustrated by what he described as unfair treatment under the proposed law.

He alleged that Section 185A of the proposed bill could make delays in filing tax returns or registration-related issues criminal offences, warning that struggling small-scale entrepreneurs could be treated in the same manner as individuals deliberately evading millions of rupees in taxes.

“That is wrong,” the Opposition Leader said.

Premadasa further accused the government of resorting to criminal action against people instead of reforming and modernising the Inland Revenue Department and simplifying tax compliance procedures.

He also questioned the government’s commitment to tackling corruption and financial crimes, asking why stronger measures had not been taken against money laundering, financial fraud and those accused of misappropriating public funds.

“Go after the corrupt. Punish real fraudsters. But do not weaponise the law against the common man,” he said.

Premadasa added that the Opposition would continue to resist legislation that undermined “fairness, proportionality, and the constitutional rights of the people.”

News

Floods, landslides affect 3,475 people

Published

17 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Adverse weather conditions prevailing across the country have severely affected 3,475 persons belonging to 1,113 families in seven districts, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).The DMC said 1,310 individuals from 489 families had been relocated to eight temporary safety shelters due to the deteriorating weather situation.

The DMC also confirmed one death from the Koralepatthu South area in the Batticaloa District.

As of 10 am yesterday (14), a total of 88 houses and one business establishment had sustained partial damage as a result of the adverse weather conditions.

Authorities have urged the public in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by disaster management and local officials as heavy rains continue to affect several parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday extended landslide warnings for several districts across the country due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

According to the NBRO, Level 2 landslide warnings have been issued for Neluwa in the Galle District; Agalawatte, Baduraliya, Matugama, Horana and Walallawita in the Kalutara District; and Ratnapura and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura District.

Level 1 landslide warnings remain in effect for several areas in the Badulla, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts.

The warned areas include Bandarawela, Passara and Hali Ela in Badulla; Thawalama, Elpitiya and

Niyagama in Galle; Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara; and multiple Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kandy District, including Poojapitiya, Deltota, Udunuwara and Pathahewaheta.

Warnings have also been issued for Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Kegalle, Aranayake, Yatiyanthota, Warakapola and Rambukkana in the Kegalle District; Ridigama in Kurunegala; Rattota, Naula and Ambanganga Korale in Matale; and Wellawaya, Badalkumbura and Bibile in Monaragala.

In the Nuwara Eliya District, the warning covers Norwood, Ambagamuwa Korale and Kotmale, while Eheliyagoda, Kalawana, Kuruwita, Godakawela, Kiriella and Ayagama in the Ratnapura District have also been placed under alert.

The NBRO said the warnings were extended in view of further rainfall forecast by the Department of Meteorology and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by authorities for their safety.

Meanwhile, the water levels in several major river basins that had risen due to recent heavy rainfall are now receding following a decline in rainfall over the past 24 hours, the Department of Irrigation said.

Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said water levels in the Nilwala River, Gin Ganga, Kalu Ganga and Attanagalu Oya basins were showing a downward trend as rainfall eased.

He noted that water levels were declining in most areas, with the exception of the Millakanda area in the Kalu Ganga basin.

However, Sooriyabandara warned that the current improvement could be temporary, as the Department of Meteorology has forecast further rain in the coming days.

According to the Department, 18 of the country’s 73 major reservoirs are currently spilling over, while another 18 medium-sized reservoirs are also discharging water.

He stressed that the release of water does not indicate a major flood situation at present, but urged the public to remain vigilant and follow future advisories issued by authorities.

By Norman Paliahwadane and Chaminda Silva