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Dehiwala Zoo to be shifted to Piliyandala: Minister

19 August 2020 11:43 pm - 22     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Special attention has been paid to the proposal made to move the Dehiwala Zoo to the Kahapola area in Piliyandala, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He said that the practice of watching animals locked in cages is an outdated methodology. Therefore, it is essential that the zoo to be adapted to the modern world and that it be should be done in a manner that does not lead to animal cruelty, the minister said.

He made these remarks at a discussion held at the Ministry of Tourism with officials of the Department of Zoology and Botanical Gardens.

It was revealed that the Dehiwala Zoo spends around Rs. 40 million per month to provide food and other necessities for the animals and Rs. 6 million on overtime payment to employees.

Meanwhile, the minister said that guidelines are being prepared to tame elephants and giving them to be used in processions. He said the guidelines are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)


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  Comments - 22

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  • Lawry Thursday, 20 August 2020 09:11 AM

    Inspired changes are welcome. But it has to be ensure that there are no leaches to suck blood out of the noble.

    Love the country Thursday, 20 August 2020 09:21 AM

    OK, which one of you are going to make money out of the prime land in Dehiwela.

    ban zoos Thursday, 20 August 2020 09:43 AM

    Zoos are an old fashioned and barbaric practice and should be banned. Keeping animals in cages is pointless and cruel.

    KOLA KOTIYA Thursday, 20 August 2020 09:47 AM

    SEND IT TO DIYAWANNA PARLIAMENT

    Priyaniwalpola Thursday, 20 August 2020 09:50 PM

    Really that is that true

    DillonDP Thursday, 20 August 2020 10:08 AM

    hmmm we need to move things here and there to create employment i feel

    Lost Lankan Thursday, 20 August 2020 10:12 AM

    very good move why not you move along with other colleagues not needed in the community.

    Nimal Thursday, 20 August 2020 10:52 AM

    Can the minister justify the reason?

    Raj Thursday, 20 August 2020 11:01 AM

    Make it like a Mini Safari Park with drive thru facilities.

    Expetriate Thursday, 20 August 2020 11:17 AM

    then sell Dehiwal land to china

    Asanka Thursday, 20 August 2020 11:24 AM

    Taming and holding captured elephants by torturing them in the temples is also animal cruelty and totally against Buddhism.

    Zulkifli Nazim Thursday, 20 August 2020 12:19 PM

    Dehiwala Zoo had been an icon for over a century and should be classed as our heritage. It will not augur well for any government to shift this great icon to any other location. You will be destroying our heritage and our fame.

    Sam munasinghe Thursday, 20 August 2020 12:51 PM

    I believe that you got a good offer for the land including pocket money.

    shyama Buddhadasa Thursday, 20 August 2020 06:42 PM

    I agree with you.

    Dee Thursday, 20 August 2020 12:53 PM

    Who is eyeing the dehiwela property?

    Darme Thursday, 20 August 2020 12:59 PM

    Time to release them to the wild, I understand it's a complex situation.. Keeping them as prisoners is a sin.. Yala, Udawalawe,Wilpattu and Horton Plains will be the best option.

    Zoologist Thursday, 20 August 2020 02:12 PM

    you cannot release animals that have been fed in captivity into the wild, after so many years. They are unable to fend for themselves and will be killed within a few weeks. Please consider what you are saying before you say it.

    Sam Thursday, 20 August 2020 01:04 PM

    Ideal to have it adjoining to the parliament.

    peace Thursday, 20 August 2020 03:28 PM

    We have diverse wildlife in our national parks and reserves. Zoo are colonialist project. Close the zoo

    brainmaster Thursday, 20 August 2020 03:51 PM

    actually they don't care about the animals, they want ti sell the valuable prime land, all the nice trees there will have to go

    E Fernando Thursday, 20 August 2020 06:37 PM

    Taming elephants is a barbaric practice. It has no place in a Buddhist country

    Summa Thursday, 20 August 2020 07:32 PM

    Better suggestion at no big cost, transfer all animals to Kotte Parliament complex where they deserve such environment with natural river


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