Animal rights activists call on govt. to pass Animal Welfare Bill

BY KAMANTHI WICKRAMASINGHE

Several animal rights organisations gathered yesterday in front of the Nelum Pokuna theater to stage a silent protest urging the government to pass the Animal Welfare Bill. “We are a Buddhist country but we have done very little towards the well-being of animals,” said Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara thera, The President of Protect Sri Lanka organisation. “Every day we hear cases of harassment towards animals. There are religions that advocate protecting the welfare of animals but there needs to be adequate laws to protect the rights of these voiceless beings.

This is why we have gathered here today.” He further said that the government has given less importance to this Bill. “The Bill comes under the purview of Minister Chamal Rajapaksa and it has been at the Attorney General’s department for quite a long time. But due to certain religious and social issues the Bill has been delayed from being passed. Apart from minor changes the greater part of the Bill has been finalised and we urge the relevant authorities to present it to the Cabinet and legalise it,” he said. Social media activist Shanuki De Alwis said that most initiatives have become a laughing stock and people look down upon them as ‘just another NGO effort.’ “This is for the handful of passionate animal welfare organisations that are constantly fighting and protesting against violence towards animals.

The Bill comes under the purview of Minister Chamal Rajapaksa and it has been at the Attorney General’s department for quite a long time. But due to certain religious and social issues the Bill has been delayed from being passed

Therefore it’s nice to see new civilian groups and enthusiasts who are taking it upon themselves to join the fight.” The Animal Welfare Bill was recommended to the Government in 2006 but it was presented in Parliament in 2010 by Ven. Athuraliye Rathana thera as a Private Member Bill. However the Daily Mirror learned that the Attorney General’s Department has given their comments and the report has been sent to the Ministry of Livestock while the final changes have to be done by the legal draftsman.

Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe