Dy. Minister says Relocate toque monkeys to an island, feed them similar to an alms-giving tradition

By Hemantha De Silva  

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage has proposed relocating toque monkeys to an island and feeding them daily, similar to an alms-giving tradition, as a solution to the ongoing toque monkey menace that is causing significant crop damage across the country.  

Speaking at a meeting of the Ambalangoda Divisional Coordinating Committee yesterday, Hewage emphasized the need for such a programme to resolve the issue. He noted that a census of toque monkeys, along with other animal species contributing to agricultural losses, will be conducted nationwide on March 15.  

Hewage expressed frustration with critics who have ridiculed the proposed census, stating that those who mock the initiative have been unable to provide alternative solutions.