Decision on monkey exports to China will be halted - AG

The Attorney General today informed the Court of Appeal that the decision to export 100,000 of Toque Macaque monkeys to China will be stopped.

Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appearing for the Wildlife Department made this revelation when a writ petition filed challenging the proposed capture and exportation of Toque Macaque monkeys to China came before the Court of Appeal.

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena appearing for the animal rights organisations and animal rights activists told court that they were glad to hear this positive response from the authorities. “I am very happy to hear this, if not, these monkeys will end up in Chinese restaurants’, Jayawardena said.

Meanwhile, Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC moved authorities to communicate this decision in written format. The petition was accordingly fixed for July 7 by the Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and M.A.R. Marikkar.

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera had recently announced in public that the Government is considering a request by the Chinese Government to export 100,000 Toque Macaque Monkeys, which are endemic to Sri Lanka, to China ostensibly to be displayed in Chinese zoos.

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Rally for Animal Rights and Environment, Justice for Animals, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka, animal welfare advocate Otara Gunewardene, Ven. Matara Ananda Sagara Thera, Rukshan Amal Jayewardene, Sonali Fernando, Iromi Ahilya Salgado, Dumindra Rajith Ratnayaka, Sharadha Manorama de Saram, Stefanie Wege - Aluwihare, Pushpadeva Dharmawardena, Randika Prabodha Fernando, Christine Bianca Shivanthi Perera, Tara Dilkushi Wickramanayake, Bandula Pathmasiri Panapitiya, Rushika Nadiya de Lanerolle, Jayamaha Mudalige Don Irangani, Wijenayake Pathiranage Wipulasena, Thanthirige Pasidu Nirosh, Vimukthi Buddika, Hiruni Maleesha Gunawardene, Iraki Lankika Kodithuwakku, Shanthi Wickranayake, Chandani Perera, Shashi Udeni Perera, Umanga Hyacinth, Manoja Jayaswini Weerakkody and M.S. Chandrabose filed this petition challenging the Minister's decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China, which are endemic in Sri Lanka. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)