🐘 Call to Reconsider Proposed Animal Welfare Bill Over Impact on Heritage & Tourism

• Overview: Concerns have been raised regarding broad executive powers in the proposed Animal Welfare Bill to penalise and imprison elephant owners, which critics warn could discourage private ownership and temple custody of tamed elephants. • Sector Breakdown & Key Impacts: • Tourism: Administrative restrictions impacting traditional processions like the Esala Perahera could negatively affect Sri Lanka's culture and national tourism industry. • Agriculture: Disincentivising captive care risks worsening human-wildlife conflicts, adding pressure on local agriculture communities affected by crop damage. • Cultural Heritage: Elephants serve as vital cultural symbols in Sri Lanka, maintaining long-standing royal and religious traditions such as carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic during annual pageants. • Key Recommendations: Stakeholders urge the government to carefully review the legislation and establish balanced, practical guidelines for domesticated elephant management alongside measures against genuine animal cruelty.