Controversy over new amendments being introduced to the Animal Welfare Act

A highly controversial situation has arisen among animal rights activists and welfare organizations regarding the new Animal Welfare Bill published in the Gazette. One party states that this long-term bill, which replaces the old Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance enacted in 1907, should be passed immediately, while another party emphasizes that immediate amendments should be made due to problematic aspects in some of its clauses.

This proposed law has increased the fines and imprisonment penalties for animal cruelty, and it has been proposed to entrust the general administrative functions of the act to the Director General of Animal Production and Health. It includes several provisions such as clearly defining animal cruelty, preventing the illegal killing of animals, ensuring veterinary care, prohibiting animal fighting and cruel entertainment, as well as regulating proper standards for animal transport and breeding centers. Furthermore, confining animals in small cages and cruelly chaining them, restricting their movements, are also prohibited by this.

Although rumors spread that this bill prohibits the use of animals, including elephants, for processions as well as religious and cultural festivals, it is clear, in accordance with [Daily News reports](https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/07/editorial/1022143/new-dawn-for-animal-welfare/), that Section 19(f) of the bill exempts the use, training, or provision of animals by an owner or guardian for agricultural, religious, recreational, or cultural activities, provided no harm is caused to the animals. Accordingly, there is no legal impediment to conducting such religious and cultural activities without cruelty to animals.

Attorney and animal rights activist Ms. Lalani Perera stated that this bill, first gazetted on February 7, 2022, was re-gazetted with significant amendments on July 20, 2026, and is currently awaiting passage. She pointed out that while the definition of an animal under the more than a century-old 1907 Ordinance was limited to domestic or captured animals, the new bill has broadened the definition to cover a wide range of living beings other than humans, including domestic, farm, wild, aquatic, and stray animals. Furthermore, the ability for any individual to file a case before a magistrate without first filing a police complaint is also a key proposal here.

Dr. Krishanthi Rondon Fuentes, founder of the Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka, states that all parties should set aside political differences and work together to pass this bill without delay. She mentioned that although the bill is not perfect and some clauses need to be clarified in the future, these shortcomings are not a reason to reject the biggest step forward for animal protection in Sri Lanka after more than a century. However, she further emphasized that aspects such as clearly defining serious threats to the public, allowing for veterinary treatment in emergencies, and regulating breeders should be further strengthened.

However, Ms. Champa Fernando, Secretary of the Kandy Association for Community Protection of Animals Welfare (KACPAW) and an animal rights activist, expresses her disapproval of this bill. It is emphasized, similar to points raised by [Ada Derana news service](https://adaderana.lk/news/cms1qfd5w000a356pb112ew90), that the exceptions provided by Section 19 of the bill nullify other clauses intended to address animal cruelty, thereby failing to achieve the bill's fundamental objectives. She stated that this full exemption for agricultural and religious activities creates legal loopholes for animal cruelty.

Ms. Thashiya Captain, Director of Justice for Animals, also states that although this bill is an acceptable step, its protective power has been weakened by exceptions in some clauses, and therefore it should be strengthened before being passed. Furthermore, Ms. Sewwandi Perera, President of 'We are for the Animals' organization, stated that all animal welfare organizations should discuss together and propose a common set of amendments.

Meanwhile, a delegation including Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, President of the Association of Owners of Tamed Elephants and Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Tooth, met with Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalakantha, pointing out that the welfare of tamed elephants is already covered by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and therefore, including the same provisions in two bills is unnecessary. The Minister agreed to this and has consented to remove the clauses related to elephants from this bill. Minister Lalakantha stated that since many organizations, including animal rights activists, have requested discussions, a comprehensive discussion and study will be conducted with all parties before the bill is presented to Parliament for approval.