A decision has been taken to relocate wild monkeys to an island under a pilot project, as a solution to mitigate crop destruction, NPP MP Jagath Manuwarna said.
Speaking to reporters, MP Manuwarna said that a large island in the Randenigala Dam has been identified to relocate the monkeys.
To prevent the monkeys from approaching the mainland, he further said that electric fences will be put up around the island.
MP Manuwarna revealed that this decision has been taken based on the approval of the committee, consisting of experts from the Irrigation Ministry, Wildlife Department, and other relevant institutions, that was appointed to address crop destruction by wild monkeys.
“The committee has approved this proposal. We will select 15 villages under the pilot project. It will be implemented under the guidance of several key institutions, such as the Navy, Wildlife Department, and Peradeniya University. We have formulated a system for the monkeys to be monitored, involving several institutions, including the Navy and experts,” he said.
Stating that this is the first time such a project is being implemented in Sri Lanka as well as in the world, MP Manuwarna said there may be shortcomings going forward, which the authorities intend to address as they occur. (Newswire)