Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with representatives of leading United Kingdom-based animal welfare organizations on implementing a more systematic national programme to eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka while improving animal welfare and managing the population of free-roaming animals.

The discussion, held at the Parliament complex today (21), involved a delegation from Battersea, a UK animal welfare organization and the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM–UK).

During the meeting, the delegation proposed introducing the “No Dog Left Behind” approach, which focuses on vaccinating the maximum possible number of dogs within a short period using vaccines that provide protection for three years. Experts said the strategy could help reduce the country’s significant expenditure on rabies-related Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The representatives also highlighted the need to address shortages of veterinary personnel and administrative challenges by training and deploying vaccination teams through local government authorities.

The discussions focused on initially implementing the programme in the Western Province before expanding it nationwide. Attention was also given to establishing a Presidential Task Force to oversee the initiative as a national priority and ensure effective implementation, the PMO noted.

Experts emphasized the importance of using high-quality vaccines, maintaining a reliable vaccine cold chain, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms by the central government to achieve successful rabies elimination.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that animal welfare and rabies elimination remain priorities of the Government, adding that efforts would be made to overcome practical challenges through cooperation among local authorities, relevant ministries, and international organizations.

The meeting was attended by officials including Colombo Municipal Council Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr. M Ijas, Battersea representative Roxanne Sahar Nazir and ICAM representatives Dr. Elaine Francisca Hiby, Dr. Eric Joseph Brum, and Patrick Gerard.