30 Petitioners, including the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka, RARE Sri Lanka, Justice for Animals and others, filed action in the Court of Appeal pursuant to the statement made by Hon. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera that there were plans being made to export toque macaque monkeys from Sri Lanka to China. The case was filed before the Court of Appeal seeking a court order to prevent the proposed export of toque macaque monkeys from Sri Lanka to China.
When the case was taken up today the honorable Attorney General appeared and stated in open court that they have received instructions from the Department of Wildlife and Conservation that they will not be taking steps to export monkeys to China. The case will be taken up before the Court of Appeal on 6th July to record the above undertaking given to the Court by the State.
An excellent outcome for wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.
President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena with counsels Prashanthi Mahindaratne, Dilumi De Alwis, Lakmini Warusevitane and Rukshan Senadira instructed by attorney-at- law Amila Kumar appeared for the Petitioners.
