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, several environmental organizations raised concerns over the matter claiming that the monkeys are being exported as food to China. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also faced severe backlash over the matter,” he said. Minister Amaraweera further stated that as the Chinese firm is still keen on acquiring monkeys from Sri Lanka, the authorities had informed that a final decision will be taken following discussions with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.The Minister revealed that, however, the environmentalists have now filed a case at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka against the proposed plan.

“The authorities have considered exporting monkeys as a possible solution to the large-scale crop destruction faced in the country. It is not a complete solution, but just an option,” he added.