Today is World Animal Day, a day where we celebrate and value all the beautiful animals who share our country, and world, with us.   
A lot of positive change has been happening over the years, as many more people are beginning to understand the immense cruelty that animals face in order to fulfill different forms of human desires and needs. Many of us now understand the need to make changes, so as not to contribute to the suffering of these sentient beings.   

Sri Lanka is a country and an island blessed with an abundance of wildlife all so special and unique, who also deserve to live without fear and suffering. Sadly, they are threatened and large numbers are dying; especially the much-loved elephant, a greatly valued animal of Sri Lanka.   
Our domestic animals also face immense abuse in different forms. Unfortunately, the enactment of the new Animal Welfare Bill, which will help to protect and reduce the suffering for animals, continues to get delayed. Not only are these new laws needed to protect animals but they are also needed to create a better and safer society, as those who engage in such cruel acts continue to get away with the abuse.   

Our progress as a thriving nation cannot come at the expense of other species who live with us, and it is imperative that we care for them all. In reality, we are all connected and we are all one. What happens to them happens to us, and Sri Lanka will continue to face many challenges in the years ahead, until we realize this connection and interdependence, and learn to live and care for all people, as well as animals.   

Every living being, both great and small, deserves to live a life free from pain and suffering. On this World Animal Day, let’s come together, and make a stronger collective commitment to work towards fostering harmony between humans and animals, ensuring that the beauty of Sri Lanka’s wildlife thrives alongside our nation’s growth and that all other animals can live free from suffering. Together, we can turn this vision into reality, and build a future where compassion for all living beings is a guiding principle and our way of life. This is the true Sri Lanka.   
Otara Gunewardene
World Animal Day- Ambassador