A special chartered aircraft operated by SriLankan Airlines transported the animals via air cargo from Lahore to Colombo earlier this month on behalf of the Department of Animal Production and Health, the airline said in a statement.
Officials noted that the importation forms part of a broader initiative to enhance milk productivity and improve breeding standards in the country.
Experts highlighted that the Sahiwal breed, originating from the dry regions of Pakistan and India, is regarded as one of the best dairy breeds in tropical climates. The cattle are known for their superior genetics, high milk-producing lineage and resilience to heat and humidity.
With milk yields often exceeding 2,500 litres per lactation and maintaining a high fat content, Sahiwal cattle are considered particularly suitable for Sri Lanka’s climatic conditions. Unlike temperate breeds such as Holstein Friesian, Sahiwal cattle possess natural resistance to tick-borne diseases and can withstand high temperatures with minimal heat stress.
The initiative is expected to support semen collection and artificial insemination programmes aimed at upgrading local cattle through crossbreeding. By combining the high milk yield of Sahiwal bulls with the adaptability of indigenous breeds, authorities hope to develop hybrid cattle suited to local conditions.
Officials said this genetic improvement strategy is crucial to reducing Sri Lanka’s reliance on imported milk powder, empowering rural smallholders and strengthening long-term national food security through sustainable, low-input dairy farming.
Pakistani authorities described the collaboration as a reflection of growing agricultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, underscoring a shared commitment to promoting food security, technology transfer and capacity building in the livestock sector.
The introduction of high-yielding Sahiwal genetics is expected to make a significant contribution to modernising Sri Lanka’s dairy industry while boosting rural income generation across the country.
