Sri Lanka PM Calls for Collective Responsibility to Protect Street Animals
Colombo, The Gulf Observer: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has urged the public to take collective responsibility for protecting the lives and welfare of street animals, emphasizing that compassion toward stray animals is a shared social duty.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of PET EXPO 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), the Prime Minister said that while keeping companion animals has become an important part of Sri Lankan culture, safeguarding the wellbeing of street animals requires the commitment of the entire community.
The exhibition, organized by the Association of Companion Animal Practitioners of Sri Lanka (ACAPSL), featured the “Aloka” awareness booth dedicated to promoting the protection and welfare of stray animals. During the event, Dr. Amarasuriya ceremonially handed over a rescued street puppy to its new adopter, officially launching the booth’s activities.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed the continued development of veterinary services in Sri Lanka and expressed concern over the growing practice of abandoning puppies and kittens at public places such as temples. She appealed to citizens to show greater care and responsibility toward street animals.
Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the government’s recent approval of a Cabinet paper on animal welfare, describing it as an important step toward implementing policies aimed at improving the lives and wellbeing of animals across the country.
Reflecting on a recent internationally recognized story about the unique bond between a Sri Lankan girl and a porcupine, the Prime Minister underscored the positive role companion animals play in children’s emotional development. She said that interaction with animals helps nurture empathy, compassion, kindness, and love from an early age.
The event was attended by ACAPSL President Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Colombo District MP Najith Indrika, senior academics from the University of Peradeniya’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, and a large number of invited guests.
