Protecting street animals is a shared responsibility: PM Harini

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while keeping companion animals has become an important part of our culture, protecting the lives and welfare of street animals is a shared responsibility of all.The Prime Minister made these remarks today (17) while attending the inauguration ceremony of “PET EXPO 2026”, being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), as the Chief Guest.The exhibition was organised by the Association of Companion Animal Practitioners of Sri Lanka (ACAPSL). During the occasion, the Prime Minister also toured the "Aloka" exhibition booth, which had been dedicated to raising public awareness on the protection and welfare of street animals. She officially inaugurated the activities of the booth by ceremonially handing over a rescued street puppy to its new adopter, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Media Division.Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:“I am pleased to see that veterinary services in Sri Lanka are continuing to develop with a clear vision for the future.“Unfortunately, abandoning puppies and kittens at public places such as temples has become a concerning practice in our country. I urge the public to pay attention to the wellbeing of street animals.“The recent approval of a Cabinet paper on animal welfare has created an opportunity for the Government to implement policies that will improve the lives and wellbeing of animals.”Recalling the heartwarming story that recently gained international attention about the unique bond between a young Sri Lankan girl and a porcupine, the Prime Minister noted that the relationship between children and companion animals plays a significant role in a child's development. She emphasised that associating with animals helps children cultivate empathy, compassion, kindness, and love through everyday experience, it added.The occasion was attended by the President of the Sri Association of Companion Animal Practitioners of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe, members of the Association, Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, Colombo District Member of Parliament Najith Indrika, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of Peradeniya, university academics, and a large gathering of invitees.