• Act. IGP already instructed to strictly enforce law in the interim

The Government is currently discussing possible amendments to the Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act, No. 7 of 2022, according to Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody.

Sri Lanka has recorded a worrying increase in wild animal deaths linked to human activities and deliberate killings in recent years, particularly involving elephants and leopards.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Jayakody said that for now, the authorities have to act within the existing legal framework when dealing with incidents of wild animal deaths and killings. He added that the Ministry of Environment has already requested the Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya to enforce the law strictly against the perpetrators of such incidents.

When questioned as to whether the Government would consider amending the relevant Legislation so as to impose stricter punishments on those responsible, he said: “The Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act is the main Legislation when it comes to this issue. We have planned to amend it. The necessary discussions are currently going on.”

The frequent deaths and killings of wild animals have been attributed to habitat loss, human-animal conflicts, and illegal activities such as poaching. Alongside accidents and confrontations with humans, deliberate killings by shootings, snares, and other traps have also increased in recent months.