The Bill to amend Sri Lanka’s Animals Act, No. 29 of 1958 has been enacted into law following certification by Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (18).
The Animals (Amendment) Bill, presented to Parliament for First Reading by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation on July 21, 2026, was passed by Parliament on August 6.
The amendment primarily seeks to broaden the legal definition of the term “animal” under Section 38 of the principal Act.
Through the revised definition, goats, pigs and sheep will now be brought within the scope of the provisions contained in Part II of the Act.
The amendment also clarifies the relevant definitions under Part IV to specifically include sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.
Following the Speaker’s certification, the legislation has been enacted as the Animals (Amendment) Act, No. 19 of 2026.
The amendment is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in the application of the legal provisions governing animals under the existing legislation.
Meanwhile, the Speaker also certified the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by Parliament on August 6. It has been enacted as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Amendment) Act, No. 20 of 2026.
The amendment modernizes the legal framework governing the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and expands its responsibilities relating to water supply and wastewater management services.
