Presidential Committee formed to tackle crop damage from wild animals

Saturday, 21 June 2025 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Secretary to the President

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake

Committee appointed to develop science-based solutions to wildlife-related crop damage
Aims to balance ecological integrity with need to protect agriculture and plantations
Committee’s mandate includes conducting comprehensive scientific assessment of issue, formulating national policies, implementing strategies

A high-level committee comprising Government officials and subject matter experts has been appointed under the leadership of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake to develop and implement sustainable, science-based solutions to mitigate the damage caused by wild animals to agriculture and plantation crops.

The committee held its inaugural meeting Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat, focusing on the need for a balanced approach that respects ecological integrity while safeguarding food production.

The committee’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive scientific assessment of the issue, formulating national policies and legislation, and implementing short, medium and long-term strategies.

It will also be responsible for mobilising the necessary resources and initiating rapid response measures in high-risk districts.

Emphasis was placed on integrating wildlife conservation principles, including recognition of animals’ right to natural habitats, into all proposed solutions.

University of Peradeniya Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Ashoka Dangolla shared his views, highlighting that based on research conducted for over more than 15 years on Toque macaque, it is possible to arrive at successful solutions through a scientific approach.

He also pointed out that various methods can be used to control animal populations.

Wildlife Conservation Director General M.S.L.R.C. Marasinghe stated that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to address this issue. He emphasised the importance of animal censuses to obtain standard data on animal densities and underscored that the matter must be approached scientifically, beyond social perceptions.

It was also decided that gathering inputs from all stakeholders, including academics, environmentalists, wildlife specialists, officials, and members of the public affected by wildlife conflict, is essential.

Among those present at the meeting were Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, Public Administration Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara, Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Ministry Secretary D.P. Wickramasinghe, Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Justice and National Integration Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinasena, public officials including defence sector officers, university professors, and members of the committee.

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