ACAP Sri Lanka champions national mission to eliminate rabies by 2030

Rabies school awareness programme in Tangalle 

The Association of Companion Animal Practitioners in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Ministry of Health, Colombo Municipal Council, International Lions Club, and several animal welfare organisations launched a nationwide programme to eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka by 2030

Over 10,000 free rabies vaccines for dogs and other companion animals were distributed through private veterinary clinics and hospitals 

 The Association of Companion Animal Practitioners (ACAP) Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Ministry of Health, Colombo Municipal Council, International Lions Club, and several animal welfare organisations, has launched an ambitious nationwide programme to eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka by 2030. The initiative was officially unveiled recently at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds, Maligawatta, in line with World Rabies Day 2025.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Najith Indika, Member of Parliament and Director General of Presidential Media, as Chief Guest, together with Colombo Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara. To mark the launch, over 10,000 free rabies vaccines for dogs and other companion animals were distributed through private veterinary clinics and hospitals across the country.
The programme which ran from September 22–28 extended beyond the official launch with a series of island-wide initiatives, including mass dog vaccination drives, free sterilization surgeries, and extensive awareness campaigns targeting schoolchildren and communities nationwide.
Speaking at the event, ACAP Sri Lanka President Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe underscored the critical need for unified action.
“Despite efforts by the Ministry of Health, veterinary associations, and local authorities, rabies control measures so far have not been sufficient to achieve eradication. Sri Lanka continues to record nearly 250,000 animal bites annually, with rabies claiming close to 20 human lives each year. The government spends more than Rs. 30 million annually on treatment. To achieve the 2030 goal, we must bring together all stakeholders—health authorities, veterinary practitioners, policymakers, local government, animal welfare organizations, media, and the public,” Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe said. 
Dr. Wickramasinghe further emphasised that past initiatives had not fully engaged private veterinary practitioners and pledged that ACAP Sri Lanka would actively mobilise its membership to support the national programme. He highlighted the importance of adopting the “One Health” framework, which integrates animal, human, and environmental health, ensuring coordinated action across all local government authorities.
Addressing the gathering, MP Dr. Najith Indika reaffirmed the government’s commitment.
“The NPP Government, as a people-centric administration, will ensure that all line ministries work in unison to support this historic effort. We share the vision of transforming Sri Lanka into a rabies-free nation by 2030 and will extend every possible cooperation to realise this goal,” said Dr. Indika. 
With the launch of this programme, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a regional leader in rabies eradication, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health, animal welfare, and community well-being.