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Dwindling donkeys
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The number of donkeys, an attraction in Kalpitiya, are dropping with many obstacles for their survival.They were spotted among the sand dunes and the mangroves in the past, but not many of them are seen these days, according to
residents.
Upali Kumaratunga
The animals were first brought in to transport goods and salt produced in the area.
Ven Migettuwatte Sumitta thera, the Lekakadhikari of the Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya in Kalpitiya who has been paying attention to the plight of the donkeys, says that most of the areas previously occupied by the animals have now been encroached by people.
Roshan Priyalal
The current location of the Lakvijaya Power Plant and the Air Force firing range in Kalpitiya were some of the locations the donkeys frequented. Some of the areas have been taken over by hotels which have been put up illegally, and the mangroves have been destroyed displacing the donkeys.
The number of accidents involving donkeys too have increased. Today most of them occupy the backyards of houses and shops while feeding on garbage dumps in the area.
A farmer in the area, Roshan Priyalal Silva said that authorities should intervene and take action to protect the animals.
Wildlife officer Upali Kumaratunga said under existing laws donkeys do not have a special protection.
Pix and text by Padma Kumari Kankanamge
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