Strong Veterinary Profession Essential for National Development – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that a strong veterinary profession is essential to national development, highlighting its contribution to public health, food security, agriculture, animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the 78th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) as Chief Guest. The event was held at the Shangri-La Colombo on October 30, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, she said veterinary medicine extends beyond animal healthcare and plays a vital role in preventing diseases transmitted between animals and humans, ensuring food safety, supporting farmers and conserving wildlife.

She emphasised the importance of veterinary services in improving livestock productivity, preventing diseases and strengthening the resilience of farming communities.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to strengthen animal welfare and wildlife protection through stronger legal safeguards against animal cruelty, responsible animal ownership and effective responses to injured and distressed wildlife.

She said the Government recognised the need for a well-resourced and professionally supported veterinary sector. This includes addressing staff vacancies through appropriate recruitment and deployment, improving infrastructure, and expanding access to modern equipment and technology.

Concluding her address, Dr. Amarasuriya said supporting veterinary professionals was not merely a sectoral concern but an investment in the country's future, contributing to a healthy population, a productive agricultural sector and a sustainable environment.

Among those present were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Sri Lanka Veterinary Association President Dr. Sugath Premachandra, association office-bearers and members, National Livestock Development Board Chairman, and FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan.

Veterinarians representing government services, universities, private practice, research institutions, and the livestock and animal healthcare industries also attended the event.