Govt. contemplates relocating Toque Monkeys to uninhabited Islands

By Yohan Perera 

Highlighting that the government is determined to end the toque  monkey menace as soon as possible, Minister of Agriculture K. D.  Lalkantha yesterday said a project to relocate them to uninhabited  islands is contemplated.   
“We are determined to put a stop to this menace and not to  leave it to the next generation. A project is being prepared to confine  toque monkeys to uninhabited islands in Sri Lanka.   

There are a number  of isolated small islands in and around Sri Lanka. We hope to confine  toque monkeys to these islands. This project will be connected to the tourism industry as well,” the Minister told media.   
“We are also considering sending monkeys abroad as well. We  cannot save agricultural crops without taking drastic steps to prevent  the monkeys from destroying crops,” he added. 

Meanwhile, an exercise to send monkeys to the animal  welfare centre at Giritale has already been implemented. At least 30  monkeys have been transported to Giritale as of now according to  wildlife officers.   

It was reported that toque monkeys have destroyed a large  number of fruits and vegetables in Polonnaruwa. In addition, monkeys have  destroyed decorations which were on a car which was to be used by a  newly-wed couple for their going away after a wedding. These incidents were  reported from Polonnaruwa yesterday.