The proposed Animal Welfare Bill could significantly strengthen the legal protection of animals in Sri Lanka by replacing the outdated 1907 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, according to former National Zoological Department Director Ishini Wickremesinghe.

In a statement, Wickremesinghe urged Parliament to pass the Bill, describing stronger legal safeguards for animals as an essential requirement of a civilised society.

The proposed legislation introduces tougher penalties for animal cruelty, including fines of up to Rs. 250,000 and imprisonment of up to two years for offences such as torturing animals, depriving them of food, water or shelter, overworking them or abandoning them.

More serious offences, including the cruel killing of animals or causing harm to pregnant animals, could attract fines of up to Rs. 500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.

The Bill also proposes stronger protections against unnecessary suffering during the transportation of animals, while introducing a licensing system for animal breeding centres and pet shops.

Wickremesinghe said the proposed legal framework would provide broader protection for animal welfare than the existing law, which has been in place for more than a century.

She also highlighted concerns surrounding elephants used in traditional processions, including the effects of walking long distances on hot roads, heavy restraints, goads, loud noises and firecrackers.

However, she stressed that the proposed Bill would not prohibit traditional processions, but would seek to ensure that elephants are used under more regulated and humane conditions.

Wickremesinghe further argued that stronger animal protection is consistent with Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and the principle of compassion towards all living beings.

She urged lawmakers to put aside political differences and pass the Animal Welfare Bill without delay, saying the way a society treats animals is an important measure of its civilisation.