As Australia culls kangaroos to protect their land, we can export monkeys to other countries

• After three discussions with China, they requested 100,000 of our toque macaques for their private zoos

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

If the Australian government has recently culled millions of kangaroos to protect their land, Sri Lanka could consider measures to export harmful animal populations causing significant damage to crops, former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera suggested.   
He told media that the government must address the issues faced by farmers and the public, rather than focusing on media spectacles orchestrated by some environmentalists.   
“After three discussions with China, they requested 100,000 of our toque macaques for their private zoos. Relevant documentation related to the programme was exchanged. However, when the programme was about to begin, several environmental organisations lodged complaints against it. As a result, we were unable to proceed,” the former minister said.   
“The current president is scheduled to visit China, where he could initiate discussions at a diplomatic level. Following these talks, we could export monkeys to China and other countries to mitigate the damage they cause to crops. This initiative could also strengthen diplomatic ties while addressing the menace posed by these animals,” he added.   
Although toque macaques, monkeys, porcupines, peacocks, and giant squirrels have become harmful to crops, these animals are considered valuable in countries like China. In the Dehiwala Zoo, for example, we enjoy seeing kangaroos, yet Australia has culled millions of kangaroos recently, despite the kangaroo being recognised as an official symbol of Australia.   
Former Minister urged environmentalists to spend time in the villages where farmers endure the brunt of animal threats. He warned that if their concerns are ignored, these farmers may abandon their livelihoods and move to urban areas, taking up work such as driving three-wheelers to make ends meet.