Decision to export monkeys to China will be stopped - AG

• I am very happy to hear this, if not, these monkeys will end up in Chinese restaurants 

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Attorney General yesterday informed the Court of Appeal that the decision to export 100,000 of Toque Macaque monkeys to China will be stopped. Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appearing for the Wildlife Department made this revelation when a writ petition filed challenging the proposed capture and exportation of Toque Macaque monkeys to China came before the Court of Appeal.   

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena appearing for the animal rights organisations and animal rights activists told court that he was glad to hear this positive response from the authorities. “I am very happy to hear this, if not, these monkeys will end up in Chinese restaurants,” Jayawardena said.  

Meanwhile, Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC moved authorities to communicate this decision in written format. The petition was accordingly fixed for July 7 by the Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and M.A.R. Marikkar.  

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera had recently publicly announced that the Government is considering a request by the Chinese Government to export 100,000 Toque Macaque Monkeys, which are endemic to Sri Lanka to China ostensibly for the display at Chinese zoos.  

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, Justice for Animals, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka, animal welfare advocate Otara Gunewardene, Ven. Matara Ananda Sagara Thero, Rukshan Amal Jayewardene, Sonali Fernando, Iromi Ahilya Salgado, Dumindra Rajith Ratnayaka, Sharadha Manorama de Saram, Stefanie Wege-Aluwihare, Pushpadeva Dharmawardena, Randika Prabodha Fernando, Christine Bianca Shivanthi Perera, Tara Dilkushi Wickramanayake,  Bandula Pathmasiri Panapitiya, Rushika Nadiya De Lanerolle, Jayamaha Mudalige Don Irangani, Wijenayake Pathiranage Wipulasena, Thanthirige Pasidu Nirosh, Vimukthi Buddika, Hiruni Maleesha Gunawardene, Iraki Lankika Kodithuwakku, Shanthi Wickramanayake, Chandani Perera, Shashi Udeni Perera, Umanga Hyacinth, Manoja Jayaswini Weerakkody and M.S. Chandrabosh filed this petition challenging the Minister’s decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys, which are endemic to Sri Lanka to China.