Dog bite cases surge

Veterinarians accuse Health Ministry of failing rabies control

19 February 2026 07:27 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 8 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, February 19 (Daily Mirror) - A controversy has erupted over Sri Lanka’s rabies control and dog population management programmes, with the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population accusing Health Ministry officials of negligence and mismanagement.

Association Advisor Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara claimed that the country’s dog population is rapidly increasing due to the failure to implement proper sterilisation programmes, despite significant budgetary allocations.

“Only Rs. 27 million was utilised last year for dog population control programmes, although Rs. 200 million had been allocated. This irresponsible handling by Health Ministry officials has directly contributed to the increase in the dog population,” he alleged.

Dr. Nanayakkara stressed that at least 70 percent of the dog population must be vaccinated in order to eradicate rabies from society. “To maintain that 70 percent vaccination coverage, there must be proper population control. Without sterilisation and responsible pet ownership, rabies control becomes impossible,” he said.

He made these remarks in response to statements by Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, Community Physician Specialist of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, who revealed at a media briefing that nearly 250,000 animal bite incidents are reported annually in Sri Lanka, the majority involving dogs.

Health authorities have also raised alarm over the continued rabies threat, confirming 14 deaths so far this year and urging the public to seek immediate medical treatment following any animal bite. Dr. Liyanapathirana noted that a rise in dog bite incidents, particularly in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, has contributed to the recent fatalities.

However, Dr. Nanayakkara disputed the broader narrative, claiming that around 95 percent of reported bites are caused by domesticated animals. He argued that if a proper vaccination programme were in place for pets, hospital treatment would not be necessary in most cases.

“The fact that 250,000 people are seeking hospital treatment annually shows there is a serious flaw in the rabies vaccination programme,” he charged.

He further called on government veterinary officers to take greater responsibility in educating the public on responsible pet ownership and enforcing sterilisation programmes at the residential level.

Dr. Nanayakkara urged the government to implement a coordinated national strategy under the ‘One Health’ concept, bringing together the Ministry of Health, the Department of Animal Production and Health, local government bodies, animal welfare organisations and the media.

He proposed that animal welfare operations be placed under the Department of Animal Production and Health, while medical responsibilities relating to rabies prevention remain with the Health Ministry or alternatively, that a joint mechanism be established to manage both areas effectively.

The allegations have sparked debate over accountability, funding utilisation and the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s long-standing rabies eradication efforts.

Comments - 8

i'm namal Thursday, 19 February 2026 08:19 AM

fault of this government, when our government was there, we did well against rabies.

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Gx Thursday, 19 February 2026 08:24 AM

in order to eradicate rabies, free vaccine must be provided by all veterinary departments. When I wanted my dog vaccine for babies, I had to purchase it privately...

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Cecil Hedwige Thursday, 19 February 2026 08:55 AM

There are countless amount of dogs in our roads in Wattala , where there are school children walking to school.During the past the council used to catch these stray dogs from the roads and send them to the zoo. But now this programme has stopped and the stray dog population had increased very much.We encourage the authorities to continue to send their vehicles and catch these stray dogs so that these dogs sent to the zoo.

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Sumal Thursday, 19 February 2026 09:15 AM

Only country stray dogs are scot-free and not captured. Everything works in opposite direction in this country where you import rabies medicines instead of controlling dogs. Similarly, you will see surge of dengue immediately after dengue control team visits the area. Reason they ask you to clean grass, bushes and weeds in your garden and backyard. That process eliminates natural mosquito predators such as insects, rodents, lizards, small birds living in that environment. Without natural inhabited environment, mosquito also occupies houses in that area to live so the disease starts to spread. Dengue/Mosquito team don't know what they supposed to do. It is a political job opportunity for stooges created to hoodwink people.

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Jude Thursday, 19 February 2026 09:24 AM

Some people getting dogs but can't afford to buy dog food. Dogs are starving!!!

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Gune Thursday, 19 February 2026 10:07 AM

SL street dogs are a menace and pests and must be controlled very quickly. In fact, in SL, no one can even walk on the streets and feral dogs are a huge problem. Simply put, these dogs must be culled just like what happens to uncontrollable pests (pigs, rabbits, deer etc) in more developed countries. There is no any other way. People also should stop feeding these pests. Culling feral dogs has to be done rather quickly. People's religions should not be a reason not to do it. Then why are there fishermen in SL and that also involved killing fish. . Otherwise, wait and see and SL will be swamped by these pests in two three years, just like monkeys now making havoc everywhere. Country is full of idiots who can't make any sensible decisions without being tied to some doctrines..

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Tavisha Udupihille Thursday, 19 February 2026 10:56 AM

As long as there are street dogs without owners, the problem will persist. When a street dog bites someone there is now way of knowing if the dog has been vaccinated or not which means that a huge amount has to be spent on rabies vaccine and serum for the victim. They only way to solve the problem is to eliminate street dogs. You do not find street dogs in countries that have successfully controlled rabies

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Dog Menace Thursday, 19 February 2026 12:58 PM

Foreigners are feeling when they see that the Sri Lanka government is doing nothing to curb the dog biting menace. This is going out of hand.

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