World Animal Day in Sri Lanka celebrates contribution of animal welfare activists

Animal welfare activists together with Sagarika Rajakarunanayake at the World Animal Day celebration held at Park Street Mews and co-hosted by Harpo Gooneratne and his team

Sri Lanka’s legendary animal welfare activist Sagarika Rajakarunanayake addressing the gathering

Otara Goonewardene addressing the gathering

Visakha Tillekeratne addressing the gathering

Sri Lanka’s animal welfare activists commemorated World Animal Day by recognising and felicitating the many animal welfare activists who over the years have worked tirelessly in sickness and health, without considering personal safety or cost, for the betterment and upliftment of community, farm and wild animals.

The felicitation ceremony which was held at Park Street Mews Restaurant, was jointly hosted by a group of animal welfare activists and Harpo Gooneratne and his team.

Animal lovers from all walks of life, from all parts of the country gathered to pay tribute and reaffirm their commitment to our four legged friends who have no voice and depend solely on our efforts to ease their pain and reduce the atrocities that we humans have brought about on them and their environment.

A highlight of the proceedings was the tribute paid to two legends of animal welfare, Sagarika Rajakarunanayake and Deepal Wijeweera, who over the years have contributed immeasurably towards the upliftment of animal welfare in Sri Lanka. 

The No Kill Policy of dogs was clinched by Sagarika after talking to the President at the time Mahinda Rajapaksa. Though many lobbied and worked on this issue, the deed was done after she persuaded her husband Lucien to get an appointment with the President, who had not known that dogs were killed when brought in from street. 

The WHO protocol of controlling rabies through catch, neuter, vaccinate and release was explained to the President who then ordered the No Kill to come into effect. The President initially was very curious and then got very angry to know that dogs were killed in this way.

Sagarika started her own organisation, Sathwa Mithra in 1993. Much work was done in collaboration with Lorraine Bibile and once again Dr. Nandana Atapattu. Vasanthi Nanayakkara was also a strong supporter. There are hundreds of interventions made by her on behalf of animals, too numerous to mention. Sagarika’s achievements and absolute dedication to the cause of animal welfare are immeasurable and she is indeed a legend of animal welfare.

Deepal Wijeweera is a familiar sight to most people in Colombo. Over the years Deepal has achieved notoriety and fame as he battles the cause of our community dogs. A familiar sight on the streets of Colombo, despite ill health and personal difficulties, Deepal continues his work and care for man’s best friend and is an example to all; if you have the will and the dedication to achieve your goals, you can and will succeed no matter what the odds are!

Animal welfare activists were recognised for their efforts with the presentation of certificates, mugs and gift vouchers and tributes paid to them as most of them jeopardise their jobs in the course of animal welfare. 

“We have dedicated our lives every day of the year to improve the lot of our four legged friends, this year we thought it was only fitting that people island wide who despite straightened circumstances and other impediments, continue to do their best for animals and all creatures great and small,” said a senior animal welfare activist.

Brand Ambassador Sri Lanka for World Animal Day Otara Goonewardene, Founder of Embark, also spoke on the occasion, as did Harpo Gooneratne, who reaffirmed the commitment of his team towards animal welfare.

Two generations of animal welfare activists, mother and daughter Manel and Madri Jayasinghe receiving their certificate of appreciation from Sagarika Rajakarunanayake and Visakha Tillekeratne

Anusha David and Anjana Selvanayagam with a young animal welfare activist

Dr. Ishika receiving her token of appreciation from Visakha Tillekeratne

Journalist Kamanthi receiving her token of appreciation from Anusha David

Sagarika Rajakarunanayake receiving her award from Kumudini Saravanamuttu. Also pictured are animal welfare activists Jonathan Solomon, Otara Goonewardene, Panchali Manapitiya, Visakha Tillekeratne, Anusha David and Nilmini Welivita​

Anusha David with Swarnalatha, Paramanathan, Seneviratne and Lechuman, all of whom are involved in feeding community animals

A section of the audience