Faiszer meets Indian Minister Maneka Gandhi in New Delhi

Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faiszer Musthapha, who is on an official visit to India, met the Indian Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on 27 February in New Delhi.

The two Ministers discussed matters of mutual importance including the latest political developments. Minister Musthapha made reference to Minister Gandhi’s special interest in animal welfare in the context of ongoing initiatives in Sri Lanka aimed at resolving issues pertaining to animal cruelty, and in addressing animal-borne diseases, particularly rabies and related developments.  Minister Gandhi shared the Indian experience extensively with details of the proposed national action plan for rabies eradication and stranded dog population management. Minister Gandhi also shared Indian endeavours aimed at prevention of cruelty to animals. Minister Gandhi said India would welcome a team of experts from Sri Lanka to hold discussions with their Indian counterparts and visit the centres established to address these issues. She also offered short training courses in India for Sri Lankan officials.

Minister Musthapha invited Minister Gandhi to visit Sri Lanka, with Minister Gandhi accepting the invitation. It was agreed that the two sides could decide on mutually convenient dates through formal channels.