Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha announced that the Ministry of Agriculture will take necessary steps to manage wild animals that cause damage to crops, based on the findings of a recent census.
Speaking at a press conference in the Kandy area, Minister Lalkantha confirmed that the report of the first-ever animal census, which focused on species such as, monkeys, peacocks, and hawks, is expected to be released today.
The nationwide census, conducted on March 15, 2025, was a significant step toward understanding the extent of crop damage caused by these wild animals. The Minister emphasized the importance of the census in formulating effective strategies to mitigate the impact on agriculture.
"The release of the census report today will help us take targeted action to address the challenges posed by these animals. Our goal is to protect the livelihoods of farmers while ensuring that wildlife is managed sustainably," said Minister Lalkantha.
The census marks a major milestone for the Ministry of Agriculture, which has worked to gather comprehensive data on wildlife interactions with farming communities across the island. The government plans to use the findings to design appropriate solutions, balancing agricultural needs with wildlife conservation.
