Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says that while keeping pets is an important part of society, protecting the lives and welfare of street animals is a responsibility shared by everyone.
She made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of PET EXPO 2026 as the Chief Guest at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today (17).
The exhibition, organised by the Sri Lanka Companion Animal Veterinary Association, also featured the “Aloka” exhibition stall, dedicated to raising public awareness on the protection and welfare of street animals. During the event, the Prime Minister officially inaugurated the stall by handing over a rescued stray puppy to its new adopter.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s veterinary sector and called on the public to pay greater attention to the welfare of stray animals.
She noted that abandoning puppies and kittens at public places, including temples, has become a troubling practice and urged the public to act responsibly towards vulnerable animals.
The Prime Minister also said that the recent approval of a Cabinet paper on animal welfare would enable the government to introduce policies aimed at improving the wellbeing of animals across the country.
Referring to the recently publicised bond between a Sri Lankan girl and a porcupine that gained international attention, she highlighted the positive relationship between children and animals, noting that growing up with animals helps nurture compassion, kindness and empathy in young people.
The event was attended by President of the Sri Lanka Companion Animal Veterinary Association Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Colombo District MP Najith Indrika, the Dean and academics of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the University of Peradeniya, and many other invitees.
