Lanka faces crisis of conscience over fate of animals: Call for compassion, law reform, and ethical responsibility

The appeal emphasizes that there are about three million stray dogs in Sri Lanka, highlighting their suffering due to a lack of effective sterilization programs, limited options for adoption, and insufficient national policies. Many of these animals face hardships such as disease, injuries, hunger, and neglect, relying heavily on community support and underfunded volunteer efforts for survival. The letter also addresses the increasing Human–Elephant Conflict, which remains a significant conservation challenge in Sri Lanka. Activists report that over 3,700 elephants have died from various reasons, including habitat loss, electrocution, gunshot wounds, and the use of explosive bait to harm these majestic creatures between 2016 and recent years. In just 2023, there were 488 elephant deaths and 187 human fatalities, with early data from this year suggesting continued losses. As forest cover has dwindled to less than 16%, elephants are forced into human areas in search of food, escalating the conflict and putting more pressure on the ecosystem. “These figures are not just numbers; they show a serious imbalance between development and ecological responsibility,” stated Panchali Panapitiya, representing the group. She pointed out that elephants, which hold cultural and religious significance in Sri Lanka, are becoming "internally displaced beings," losing their natural habitats and facing constant threats. A key issue highlighted in the letter is the outdated legal framework for animal protection in Sri Lanka. The current law, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance from 1907, is viewed by activists as inadequate for today’s animal welfare needs. Despite discussions over the years, a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill has not yet been passed, creating what activists call a significant legal gap. “Without updated laws, cruelty often goes unpunished, and animals lack proper protection,” Panchali Panapitiya explained. The group is urging the government to advance the long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill, implement national sterilization and adoption programs for stray dogs, and enhance protections for elephant habitats and migration routes. They also advocate for science-based wildlife management, stricter enforcement against cruelty, and better collaboration between wildlife agencies and local communities. “These concerns are related—they reflect how society treats its most vulnerable living beings,” Panapitiya concluded.