Anuradhapura set to become first district to eradicate rabies: Dr. Nanayakkara

Colombo, October 1 (Daily Mirror) - Anuradhapura will soon be recognized as the first district in Sri Lanka to eradicate rabies, with the district’s flag set to be hoisted to mark the milestone, Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) Executive Committee Member Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara announced.

Speaking at the World Rabies Day Appreciation Awards in Anuradhapura, Dr. Nanayakkara said the initiative faced unique challenges, as many people brought puppies and grown dogs into the town. “People cannot offer elephants to temples, so they bring puppies instead. Some businessmen have even paid others to release dogs near temples,” he said.

The AWC launched its rabies eradication programme by identifying 30 key locations in Anuradhapura Muncipal Council area. Over the course of two years, sterilisation and vaccination were carried out on about 80% of the dog population. The programme first covered a two-kilometre radius, later expanding to ten kilometres and then fifteen kilometres from the town centre.

Dr. Nanayakkara said that while the project did not receive government sponsorship, support came from the Anuradhapura Urban Council, Justice For Animals Sri Lanka animal protection organization and local residents. He praised the community’s cooperation in achieving the milestone.