By Anusha David, Trustee, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened” – Anatole France.

With the arrival of Aloka, the “peace dog,” local animal welfare organizations and activists, along with compassionate citizens, hope that this unique moment portends an opportunity for increased awareness, a change of hearts and minds, and sustained scientific programs with regard to our well-loved community dogs and most particularly the passing and implementation of the ANIMAL WELFARE BILL.

Hopes are running high amongst Sri Lanka’s Animal Welfare Activists that the arrival of Aloka will awaken the government and affiliated officials to the fact that Animal Welfare is a cornerstone of any developed country and community. Continuous CNVR programs (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release to their original territory), as is the practice in India and many parts of Asia, should be implemented. Community animal feeders should be given access to feed, vaccinate, and sterilize community dogs without harassment.

A dedicated weekly time slot should be included in the timetables of all schools—government, private, and international—to educate children on compassion towards animals. Public awareness must be strengthened to emphasize the fact that sterilizing and neutering both owned and community dogs is essential, and the principle that humans and animals must coexist if our planet is to sustain itself into the future. Most importantly, there is an urgent need for the passing and implementation of the ANIMAL WELFARE BILL.

The fact that a community dog gives birth to a litter of six to eight puppies approximately every six months is not the dog’s fault—it is the responsibility of us humans, who have failed in our duty of care towards their well-being.

Animal welfare activists hope that Aloka’s presence will inspire both the public and policymakers—from local authorities to national leaders—to adopt more humane, evidence-based approaches to managing dog populations. Central to this is the urgent need to move away from reactionary or cruel methods and instead embrace proven strategies such as sterilization programmes and widespread anti-rabies vaccinations.

As much as Aloka’s presence represents peace, it also signals responsibility. It is high time that our Community animals are recognized for being just that – a part of the community. In fact, 46% of the dogs roaming the streets within the Colombo Municipal Council area are actually owned by households. Crucially, the majority of these dogs are unsterilized, thus giving rise to increased dog populations.

It is high time that sterilization is made mandatory by law in Sri Lanka. The fact that dogs are regularly dumped – we’ve all seen cardboard boxes of puppies or a lactating mother dog dumped by temples, markets or by the road side, should be made a punishable offense. Sri Lanka’s breeding industry is totally unregulated. In countries like the UK and Germany, local authorities are responsible for issuing licenses and inspecting facilities. In fact many purebreds struggle to adapt to Sri Lanka’s tropical climate. Uninformed owners who are quickly overwhelmed by the high cost of dietary and veterinary care abandon their pets, adding yet more animals to the already existing street population. 

Aloka’s visit also spotlights the various challenges faced by Animal Welfare groups, particularly in areas such as Port City Colombo and other government-managed spaces, where restrictions on feeding, medical treatment, and sterilization of dogs have raised concerns, as these actions border on inhumane treatment of animals that congregate in such areas seeking even a scrap of food and companionship. In fact, Animal Welfare organizations are often harassed for attempting to feed, sterilize, and vaccinate these animals, thus depriving them of their only recourse to food and care.
Activists stress that denying such basic interventions not only undermines humane care but also exacerbates population growth and public health risks.

We call upon the authorities—spearheaded by the President and Prime Minister—to work collaboratively with experienced local organisations, many of whom have spent years developing practical, humane solutions tailored to Sri Lanka’s unique context.

This is a moment for National Compassion, Humaneness, and Responsibility. Aloka’s journey is that rare occurrence where we witness a living symbol of peace, one that transcends borders, beliefs, and identities.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” It is our ardent hope that Aloka’s visit to Sri Lanka will inspire the government and the general public to live up to this ideal. 

It is essential that Sri Lanka moves away from reactionary and cruel methods and instead embraces proven strategies such as sterilization programs and widespread anti-rabies vaccination.

In addition to rabies control, veterinarians emphasize the importance of administering core vaccines such as DHL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis) and Parvovirus, which play a critical role in safeguarding the health of both animals and communities.

“Aloka represents peace—but also responsibility,” noted one activist. “If we can celebrate him, we must also extend that same compassion to the thousands of dogs living among us.”

According to one leading veterinarian, the community dog population can be brought under control in just five years if continued sterilization is implemented island-wide. It is an achievable target, but only if policymakers make it a priority as they did in Singapore, Bhutan, and India. The dogs and the communities that live alongside them deserve no less. 

Aloka’s presence and his voluntary participation in the peace walk emphasize the fact that humans and animals CAN and MUST coexist. Sadly, today, the global community has regressed when it comes to the welfare and well-being of our animal companions.  

Great or Small – Love Them All. We hope that the arrival of Aloka and the Venerable Monks will serve as a catalyst for change, awareness and greater compassion for the VOICELESS.

“It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us BUT FOR ALL LIFE ON EARTH”, “We are part of the natural world. If we damage it, we damage ourselves” - Sir David Attenborough. 

If the President and the Government can welcome Aloka to Sri Lanka, THEY SHOULD AND MUST EXTEND THAT SAME COMPASSION, WARMTH AND CARING TO OUR OWN COMMUNITY ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE.

ANIMAL WELLNESS TRUST
RESCUE ANIMALS SRI LANKA
ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST
ANIMAL WELFARE & PROTECTION ORGANIZATION
JUSTICE FOR ANIMALS & NATURE
PRIYANTHI DE SILVA
PRITHIVIRAJ PERERA
KOTTE ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION