There is no need for public concern that the proposed Animal Welfare Act will affect the Kandy Esala Perahera or other traditional cultural events, Central Province Governor Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernando said, according to the Daily Mirror.
Speaking on assuming office, the Governor said Cabinet approval had been granted for the Act and that its provisions do not seek to interfere with cultural events.
The Act contains specific provisions relating to elephants and other animals, he said, while making clear that no restrictions would be imposed on events such as the Kandy Esala Perahera.
“There is no need to have unnecessary fears or create issues over the Act based on views circulated by certain groups with negative attitudes,” he said.
Fernando described the Perahera as a world-renowned cultural festival and said none of its traditional elements would be reduced or affected. He added that the Act would instead contribute to protecting and further developing cultural events while safeguarding animal welfare.
Answering a specific objection
The statement addresses a concern raised most prominently by the United National Party. When the Animal Welfare Bill was gazetted in July, setting cruelty fines of up to Rs. 250,000, the UNP called for amendments on the grounds that its terms could affect the participation of domesticated elephants in religious processions, and argued that tusks and elephants used in traditional peraheras should be exempted from certain clauses.
The bill is distinct from the Animals (Amendment) Bill, a separate piece of legislation dealing with transport permits for livestock and zoonotic disease control, which Parliament passed on Thursday.
Fernando was appointed Central Province Governor in early August. The remarks are among his first substantive public comments in the post.
Sources: Daily Mirror.
