Sri Lanka takes a historic step toward modern animal protection as the Cabinet greenlights a long-awaited bill to replace a colonial-era law.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to publish the draft Animal Welfare Bill in the Government Gazette, paving the way for its submission to Parliament. This development marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to update its animal protection laws, which have remained largely unchanged since the British colonial period.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the Legal Draftsman prepared the bill based on recommendations from a dedicated committee, with clearance from the Attorney General. Once gazetted for public review, the bill will proceed through parliamentary processes for potential enactment.

Replacing an Outdated 1907 Ordinance

The proposed legislation aims to replace the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907, a law widely criticized for its inadequacy in addressing contemporary animal welfare issues. Under the old ordinance, penalties for cruelty were nominal – often as low as a few rupees – rendering enforcement ineffective and failing to deter abuses.

Animal rights advocates have long highlighted the ordinance’s limitations. It primarily covers animals in captivity and offers minimal protections for wild, farmed, stray, or companion animals. The new bill seeks to modernize this framework by broadening the definition of “animal” to include any living creature other than a human being, introducing a “duty of care” for owners and handlers, and establishing comprehensive offences related to cruelty.

Key Provisions and Stronger Penalties

While full details of the latest draft are pending gazetting, past iterations of the bill – shaped by years of advocacy – include substantial increases in penalties. Proposed fines could rise dramatically from the current symbolic amounts (as low as 33 cents or Rs. 100 in some cases) to hundreds of thousands of rupees, with potential jail terms of up to several years for serious offences.

The bill is expected to cover protections across categories: companion animals (pets), stray dogs and cats, farmed animals (including requirements for humane slaughter), wild animals, and those in captivity such as elephants used in temples or tourism. It would prohibit neglect, unnecessary suffering, and certain exploitative practices while promoting responsible ownership and compassion.

Additional measures may include provisions for investigation and prosecution, establishment of welfare standards, and mechanisms to address issues like animal abandonment or abuse in agricultural and entertainment settings. This aligns with global best practices recognizing animals as sentient beings deserving ethical treatment.

Decades of Advocacy and Repeated Setbacks

The journey toward this bill has been protracted, spanning nearly two decades. Drafting efforts trace back to around 2006, with cabinet approvals secured in various forms over the years (notably in 2016, 2020, and 2022), only for political instability, economic crises, and parliamentary delays to stall progress.

The 2022 economic crisis and subsequent government changes pushed the bill down the legislative agenda despite support from over 140 parliamentarians in recorded videos and endorsements from groups like the Otara Foundation and the Animal Welfare Coalition.

Animal rights organizations have consistently campaigned for the bill, citing horrific cases of abuse – including boiling water attacks on dogs, neglect of temple elephants, and inhumane treatment in the meat industry – that the old law failed to address adequately.

Broader Context and Government Commitments

The approval comes alongside other government initiatives in the 2026 budget, including promises for cremation facilities and a pet cemetery for strays and pets, signalling a growing recognition of animal welfare as part of public policy.

Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and cultural reverence for animals – rooted in Buddhist principles of compassion – make the bill particularly relevant. However, challenges remain, including balancing welfare with traditional practices, agricultural needs, and tourism involving wildlife.

Experts hope the bill will foster a cultural shift toward greater kindness, improve enforcement through better-resourced authorities, and position Sri Lanka alongside nations with progressive animal laws.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Animal welfare groups have welcomed the Cabinet’s decision as a “step in the right direction,” urging swift parliamentary passage without further delays. Critics of past inaction emphasize that Sri Lanka has been one of the few democratic nations without modern comprehensive animal welfare legislation.

Opposition or caution may arise from sectors like farming, religious institutions managing elephants, or entertainment industries, which could face new compliance requirements. Proponents argue that humane standards will ultimately benefit society through reduced zoonotic risks, better public health, and enhanced ethical standing.

What Lies Ahead

Following gazetting, the bill will undergo public scrutiny, parliamentary debate, and possible amendments. If passed, it would represent one of the most significant legislative advancements in animal protection in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history.

Implementation will require training for law enforcement, veterinary services, and judicial officers, alongside public awareness campaigns. Long-term success depends on sustained political will and community engagement.

This development reflects evolving societal values in Sri Lanka, where animal welfare is increasingly seen not just as a moral imperative but as integral to sustainable development and compassionate governance.