Monkey menace: sterilization begins

• Government allocates Rs. 4.5 million for this initiative

By Ravindra Viraj Abayasiri - Matale

A pilot project to sterilize macaques as a permanent solution to contain their growth problem commenced in the Ihala Harasagama area of the Matale District.   

The government has taken this initiative because growing monkey population causes extensive damage to agriculture in the country. 

 
The government has allocated Rs. 4.5 million for this initiative, which is intended to be expanded nationwide in the future.  Macaques (both males and females) captured using traps in the Matale District will be taken to Giritale Animal Care Centre for sterilization and then returned to the locations where they were captured.   

The event was attended by Matale District MP of the National People’s Power Sunil Biyanwala; Matale District Secretary, Thejani Thilakaratne; District Agriculture Director, Ajitha Amanikrama; and other officials.