The United National Party has called for modifications to a proposed Animal Welfare Bill, warning that current provisions could impact the use of elephants in Buddhist religious processions like the Kandy Esala Perahera.
The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns about a proposed Animal Welfare Bill, stating that its existing provisions could interfere with established Buddhist traditions in Sri Lanka. The party's concerns center on the potential impact on domesticated elephants used in major religious processions, most notably the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the country's most significant cultural events.
UNP Chairman and former Minister Vajira Abeywardena outlined the party's position at a media briefing, proposing that elephants used in Peraheras be exempted from certain aspects of the legislation. He argued that any new animal welfare law should strike a balance between protecting animal interests and preserving the country's long-established religious and cultural practices. Abeywardena suggested introducing specific regulatory frameworks focused on the welfare of these ceremonial elephants as an alternative approach.
To address concerns about oversight, the UNP proposed amendments that would involve Buddhist religious leaders and the Diyawadana Nilame—a traditional custodian role—in developing regulations governing Perahera elephants, while maintaining parliamentary supervision of such rules. Former State Minister Ajith Mannapperuma also voiced criticism of the Bill, suggesting that it contained unstated objectives that could undermine broader Buddhist cultural practices in the island nation.
The proposals represent an attempt to reconcile animal welfare considerations with religious and cultural preservation, an ongoing tension in legislative discussions around the Bill.
