COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s decision to round up stray dogs ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit has triggered protests from animal rights activists. Authorities in Colombo and Anuradhapura have deployed dog catchers to remove strays from public areas before Modi’s arrival.
Many of these dogs, known as “community canines,” are cared for by local residents despite having no official owners. Activists from the Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE) gathered outside President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s office, holding placards and submitting a petition to the Indian High Commission. Messages included “Stop the cruel removal of our community dogs” and calls for New Delhi to intervene.
Protesters argue that most of the impounded dogs have been vaccinated and neutered and removing them would lead to displacement, suffering, and harm. They also questioned how Sri Lanka could promote itself as a tourist-friendly nation while engaging in animal cruelty.
Modi will receive an official welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square and will visit Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree—believed to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree holds deep religious and national significance for Sri Lanka’s 22 million-strong Buddhist population.
The protests highlight growing concerns over Sri Lanka’s treatment of animals, with activists calling for humane solutions rather than mass removal. It remains unclear if the government will respond to calls for intervention before Modi’s arrival.
-Agencies
