Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera revealed that, apart from China, several other countries have expressed interest in acquiring monkeys from Sri Lanka for their zoos.
Minister Amaraweera disclosed that the Sri Lankan government has been approached by these countries, with official requests channeled through their respective embassies.
Responding to a query posed by Samagi Jana Balawega MP Niroshan Perera, the minister explained that the opportunity to export these monkeys had been halted due to legal challenges initiated by animal rights organizations and activists.
Highlighting the significant issue of crop damage caused by various animals, including monkeys, wild boars, and peacocks, Minister Amaraweera estimated annual agricultural losses exceeding 20 billion rupees.
The Minister acknowledged that discussions had taken place with animal rights organizations opposed to monkey exports, aiming to find practical solutions to mitigate crop damage. Regrettably, no mutually agreeable resolutions emerged from these dialogues.
