Enact Sri Lanka’s Animal Welfare Bill Without Further Delay

For over a century, animal protection in Sri Lanka has relied on legislation enacted in 1907. That law no longer reflects the realities of today’s society or the scale of animal suffering across the country. In 2006, after years of consultation and research, the Law Commission of Sri Lanka proposed a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill to replace the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. The goal was clear: modernize the law and provide meaningful protection for animals.
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Nearly two decades have passed. Despite Cabinet approval and its presentation before Parliament in March 2022, the Animal Welfare Bill remains unenacted. Efforts have been made at multiple levels to move this legislation forward. In 2019, the Court of Appeal directed relevant authorities to take steps toward its prompt enactment following legal action by animal welfare organizations. Parliamentary members have continued to advocate for progress.

Yet the Bill still awaits final approval. Meanwhile, animals across Sri Lanka continue to suffer under insufficient legal protections. Stray animals face abuse and neglect. Cruelty cases often result in minimal consequences. Enforcement bodies lack the modern legal framework required to intervene effectively. Sri Lanka deserves better.

A comprehensive Animal Welfare Act would:

​• Strengthen protections against cruelty and neglect
• Introduce meaningful penalties for offenders
• Provide clear authority for enforcement
• Support humane animal management programs

To Reflect the nation’s cultural and ethical values of compassion Sri Lanka has long been known for its deep spiritual and cultural traditions that emphasize kindness toward all living beings. It is time for national legislation to align with those principles. We respectfully call upon the President of Sri Lanka, Members of Parliament, and relevant state authorities to prioritize and pass the Animal Welfare Bill without further delay. Animals cannot advocate for themselves. We, the undersigned, urge decisive action to ensure that Sri Lanka moves forward with a modern, enforceable Animal Welfare Act.

The time for reform is now.