The request by a Chinese firm to acquire 100,000 Toque monkeys from Sri Lanka still remains, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera informed the Parliament today (09)
Minister Amaraweera stated that a Chinese firm had made a request from the Agriculture Ministry to export 100,000 Toque monkeys to their Zoos in China for exhibition purposes.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated that a committee had been appointed and discussions were being held on the matter, while it was also observed that the necessary measures in this regard must be taken by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
However, a number of environmental organizations expressed worry about the situation, alleging that the monkeys were being exported to China for consumption as food. According to him, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also received a lot of criticism over the issue.
Minister Amaraweera went on to say that because the Chinese company is still interested in buying monkeys from Sri Lanka, the authorities have told the department that a final decision would be made after consultations.
Environmental groups voiced concern about the issue, claiming that the monkeys were being exported to China to be eaten as food. He claimed that the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also came under fire for the matter.
Minister Amaraweera continued by stating that the authorities have informed the department that a final decision will be made following consultations because the Chinese company is still interested in purchasing monkeys from Sri Lanka.
However, the Minister disclosed that environmentalists have now brought a complaint against the suggested proposal before the Sri Lankan Supreme Court.
“The government has given exporting monkeys some thought as a potential remedy for the widespread crop destruction the nation is now experiencing. It is merely an option, not a comprehensive answer, he continued.
