Only 12 veterinary specialists in Sri Lanka

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

There are currently only 12 veterinary specialists in Sri Lanka qualified to treat sick elephants and other animals, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi informed Parliament today.

He noted that some of these specialists have been discouraged by remarks made by certain Members of Parliament.

“Opposition MPs have made various statements regarding the killing of elephants. One MP even shared false information about the elephant Batiya, which recently died from gunshot injuries,” the Minister said.