19 August 2020 11:43 pm
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He said that the practice of watching animals locked in cages is an outdated methodology.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)