Monkeys to Matale

2026-02-08 - 06:58

It is reported that land has now been identified near the Kalu Ganga Reservoir in the Matale District to construct the country’s first holding centre for monkeys. The Department of Wildlife Conservation says an area of 150 hectares has been selected for the construction of the centre, with facilities including water, food and security. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has recommended the construction of a holding centre for monkeys, and approval has reportedly been granted by the Matale District Development Committee. At a meeting of the committee, Wildlife Range Officer Chamath Lakshman Perera stated that similar holding centres are operated in several countries, including Malaysia. It is also reported that funds amounting to Rs. 283.87 million has been allocated for the construction of the centre. It has been decided to capture the monkeys causing damage and release them into the holding centre, and to control the population by fitting loops on female animals. It was further stated that the centre will be constructed in a secure manner to prevent the monkeys kept there from escaping back into the natural environment. The selected area is said to have sufficient natural food, and it has been decided to supply food from outside if necessary. It was also noted that 70 grams of food per monkey per day would be sufficient.