It’s time to think about our ‘Alokas’ first

It is quite a special moment for many Sri Lankans to witness the Global Peace Walk here on this paradise isle. The hype created around it certainly suits the objective of spreading peace around the world, especially at a time when  war is raging in the Middle East. The Peace Walk gained more attention with Aloka – a stray dog who chose to walk along with the monks. When it was announced that the monks would be visiting Sri Lanka, many already anticipated Aloka’s arrival. Now that it has been confirmed that Aloka indeed is coming, several other concerns have surfaced. Animal welfare groups have raised alarm bells about alleged preparations to remove street dogs to ensure the safety of Aloka! This is quite appalling given the double standards of accommodating one stray dog by removing other stray dogs. Even though municipal authorities have denied these claims,there are concerns regarding these speculations. Sri Lanka’s street dogs have faced a worrying plight over the years, being subject to round-ups and inhumane treatment. So it is rather ironic to see one street dog grabbing all the love while a majority of people have turned their backs on local street dogs in the country! 

Shehan Perera

Nugegoda