ANIMAL WELFARE REFORMS BACKED BY UNP AGAINST ANIMAL PROTECTION BILL

UNP says Animal Protection Bill undermines Perahera, backs animal welfare reforms

– The United National Party (UNP) today claimed that the proposed Animal Protection Bill undermines the Perahera tradition, while stressing that it does not oppose measures aimed at improving animal welfare and protection.

In a statement, the party said the Bill fails to include provisions contained in Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 of the European Union Council relating to the reduction of suffering and pain of animals during slaughter.The UNP described the draft legislation as “an incomplete bill” and alleged that its primary objective was to undermine the Perahera. It further claimed that the Bill forms part of what it called the government’s “de-Buddhism program”

However, the party rejected allegations that it is opposed to progressive reforms on animal welfare and protection, maintaining that it supports initiatives that genuinely promote the wellbeing of animals while safeguarding cultural and religious traditions.