COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says a final decision has not been taken to export toque monkeys to China as claimed by certain factions.
Speaking to media, Minister Amaraweera said a decision has been taken to submit a Cabinet paper seeking approval to appoint a committee to consider a request made by China.
The Agriculture Minister said during a discussion with officials, a group of Chinese representatives made a request to provide toque monkeys for zoological gardens both private and state in China.
He said subsequently a decision was taken to appoint a committee to consider the proposal.
The Minister said monkeys make immeasurable damages to crops of rural farmers and those who criticize are unable to provide solutions.
Minister Amaraweera stressed that they are seeking scientific solutions to the issues and they are in no way taking hasty decisions.
He said the Ministry will welcome alternative proposals from those criticize the officials by staging media briefings.
The Minister said they are not taking these decisions lightly and any measures taken will be with the best interest of the Sri Lanka people in mind.
