UNP calls for amendments to animal welfare bill to safeguard Buddhist traditions

The United National Party urged modifications to the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, contending that current terms threaten Sri Lankan Buddhist practices, specifically the participation of domesticated elephants in religious events like the Kandy Esala Procession.

UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena stated during a press conference that pachyderms deployed in traditional processions should be exempted from specific clauses while implementing protective standards.

He maintained that legislation must safeguard creature protection alongside historical religious customs.

The political group suggested giving religious leaders and the Chief Custodian (Diyawadana Nilame) authority in drafting elephant-related regulations while preserving parliamentary supervision.

Former State Minister Ajith Mannapperuma also criticised the legislation, claiming it harboured concealed motives designed to undermine cultural heritage.