The Court of Appeal decided to terminate case proceedings pertaining to the writ petition filed challenging the proposed capture and exportation of 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China, as the government has decided not to proceed with the proposal.
The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal that the decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China would be stopped. After being satisfied with the undertaking given by government agencies, the petitioners decided to withdraw their petitions.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera had recently publicly announced that the government is considering a request by the Chinese government to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys, which are endemic to Sri Lanka, to China, ostensibly for display at Chinese zoos.
Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Rally for Animal Rights and Environment, Justice for Animals, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka, animal welfare advocate Otara Gunewardene, Ven. Matara Ananda Sagara Thero, Rukshan Amal Jayewardene, Sonali Fernando, Iromi Ahilya Salgado, Dumindra Rajith Ratnayaka, Sharadha Manorama de Saram, Stefanie Wege-Aluwihare, Pushpadeva Dharmawardena, Randika Prabodha Fernando, Christine Bianca Shivanthi Perera, Tara Dilkushi Wickramanayake, Tara Dilkushi Wickramanayake, Bandula Pathmasiri Panapitiya, Rushika Nadiya De Lanerolle, Jayamaha Mudalige Don Irangani, Wijenayake Pathiranage Wipulasena, Thanthirige Pasidu Nirosh, Vimukthi Buddika, Hiruni Maleesha Gunawardene, Iraki Lankika Kodithuwakku, Shanthi Wickranayake, Chandani Perera, Shashi Udeni Perera, Umanga Hyacinth, Manoja Jayaswini Weerakkody, and M.S. Chandrabosh filed this petition challenging the Minister’s decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque Macaque Maca, which are endemic to Sri Lanka, to China.
