Santapaws Xmas Extravaganza In support of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka

My long-term goal is simple but profound: a change in hearts and minds. Corporate Social Responsibility for animals—supporting shelters, sterilisation programmes, and responsible practices—is essential. If we work together, we can build a kinder Sri Lanka, one that respects and protects all living beings.

In this special interview, Anusha David, the passionate founder of RAS, opens up about the purpose behind the fundraiser, the challenges of animal welfare in Sri Lanka, and her hopes for changing mindsets across the country.

This year’s SantaPaws Xmas Extravaganza promises to be one of the most vibrant community events in Colombo, bringing together compassion, creativity, and family fun—all in support of Sri Lanka’s stray animals. Founder of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS)  explains that  the event will take place at Cinnamon Grand Colombo on the 29th and 30th of November, starting from 10 a.m. on both days. With over 60 stalls selling everything from batiks, handmade cards, clothing, jewellery, accessories, and homeware, there will be something for absolutely everyone. Families can enjoy a lively, meaningful day out while discovering unique gifts, meeting fellow animal lovers, and supporting an important cause. To make things even more exciting, several attractive raffle prizes will be up for grabs throughout the event.

As the official venue sponsor, Cinnamon Grand Colombo continues its strong support of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.

In this special interview, Anusha David, the passionate founder of RAS, opens up about the purpose behind the fundraiser, the challenges of animal welfare in Sri Lanka, and her hopes for changing mindsets across the country.

Interview with Anusha David, Founder of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS)

Q Anusha, what inspired this year’s charity pop-up sale, and how will the funds raised support your work with Sri Lanka’s street dogs and cats?

Rescue Animals Sri Lanka has been 100% self-funded since the day it began. I never organised fundraisers, sold raffle tickets, or built a website. On the rare occasion when an animal needed long-term hospitalisation and I couldn’t manage, I would include a small request in the Pet Pages of the newspapers—and that was it.

But after the economic crash, everything escalated: food, medicine, electricity, staff salaries—nothing was affordable anymore. Fundraising is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. This year’s SantaPaws Xmas Extravaganza is particularly important because we are relocating the shelter. Moving animals is extremely difficult, emotionally and financially. The funds will help with this transition while also supporting ongoing street work, feeding, treatment, and emergency rescues.

Q RAS focuses on both animal welfare and environmental cleanup. How do these two causes connect?

Humans and animals are meant to coexist. It is quite tragic that so many people in the 21st century still don’t understand this. Destroying our environment, cutting down trees, and disregarding wildlife is not progress—it’s regression. Pollution caused by human activity harms ecosystems and human health alike.

Human–animal interaction (HAI) has proven benefits for both sides. At RAS, we try to instil this understanding in every person we meet on our feeding rounds—street sweepers, garbage collectors, passers-by. We explain why these animals matter and why compassion is necessary.

We also recently introduced pet therapy sessions, which have been truly eye-opening. Watching children, parents, and caregivers light up when little Jax rolls in with his wheelie cart is nothing short of magical. As David Attenborough said, “The natural world is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” And I always add—we must stop destroying it.

Q What are the biggest challenges you face in rescuing and rehoming animals, and how can the public help?

The biggest challenge is the growing belief that animals are an inconvenience. I receive 15 to 20 calls a day—pets abandoned because their owners are moving to apartments, going abroad, or simply losing interest.

Wildlife faces even worse cruelty, especially elephants. These are national treasures, vital to our tourism industry and biodiversity. Experts have submitted scientific proposals to the government for years, but they go unheeded. Giving guns to farmers is not a solution.

As for rehoming, I rarely do it now. Without education and a change of mindset, rehoming often leads to repeat abandonment. What we need most from the public is compassion—an understanding that animals are not disposable. Advocacy, awareness, and a willingness to help even in small ways can make a tremendous difference.

Q Could you share a moment that captures the impact RAS has had on street animals?

One of the most touching things is that in almost every area we feed—99% of the dogs want affection before food. They crave a kind touch. Some still stay away, even after years, because of the trauma inflicted by humans, and that breaks my heart.

Our pet therapy sessions have also shown the incredible healing power of animals. Seeing Jax bring joy to hospital wards is something I treasure deeply. Almost every animal in my care came directly off the streets. Running a shelter requires enormous sacrifice, and I constantly worry about what will happen to them if one day I cannot provide for them. But I keep going.

Q Cinnamon Grand Colombo is supporting the initiative once again as venue sponsor. How do you view this partnership, and what are your long-term hopes for Sri Lanka’s stray animals?

I am deeply grateful to Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and especially to Kamal Munasinghe and Nazoomi.  They truly understand that community animals need and deserve care. With the help of champions like Cinnamon Grand, I hope to inspire other corporates to recognise their role in animal welfare.

My long-term goal is simple but profound: a change in hearts and minds. Corporate Social Responsibility for animals—supporting shelters, sterilisation programmes, and responsible practices—is essential. If we work together, we can build a kinder Sri Lanka, one that respects and protects all living beings.

As Anatole France said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”