LNP – Govt. to go ahead with animal census despite pushback

Notwithstanding significant criticism from relevant stakeholders including environmentalists, the government has decided to go ahead with the proposed animal census covering the entire country.

Director Wildlife Health at Department of Wildlife Conservation Dr. Tharaka Prasad said the census covers the animals such as giant squirrels, peacocks, macaques and monkeys, who are responsible for crop-damaging.

“This census, first of this nature in the history of Sri Lanka, will take place on March 15, with officials tasked with counting the animals within a five-minute timeframe from 8.00 to 8.05 am. As such, the farmers and villagers are requested to cooperate,”

Dr Prasad said all government officials, including Grama Niladharis, would be involved in this endeavour, adding that landowners should inform the relevant officers namely Grama Niladharis about the number of animals present on their properties.

“We have conducted a pre-test in the Ingiriya area where we received satisfactory support and positive feedback from people,” he added.

Speaking on the matter, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the planned animal census on March 15 is a recommendation of the special committee appointed to tackle agricultural losses caused by wild animals and provide recommendations for managing the issue.

Meanwhile, a top Environmental lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardana told Daily Mirror the census should be carried out in an organized and scientific manner in order to get the valid results.