Livestock Division

1. Brief Introduction to the Livestock Sector

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation was established by the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 25th November 2024 and is divided into four sectors namely Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for the convenience of administration. Accordingly, the information related to the Livestock Sector is as follows.

Introduction

The Livestock Sector formulates policies and plans for the advancement of the livestock sector, strengthens the local milk producer with the goal of becoming self-sufficient in local fresh milk production, and develops the local dairy industry, including goats, poultry, pigs and other sub-sectors, and implements various programs and projects financed by local and foreign funds to promote high-quality animal products and encourage the use of environmentally friendly animal husbandry.

Furthermore, the Livestock Development Division works with the objectives of meeting the increasing domestic demand by presenting animal products to the market in a more hygienic and quality manner and thereby limiting the annual foreign exchange expenditure on the import of livestock products.

2. Functions related to the Livestock Division

According to the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 dated 25th November 2024, the subjects and functions related to the Livestock Division are as follows, among the functions assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

• Formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate policies, strategies, programmes and projects related to the subjects of agriculture, livestock, land and irrigation and the subjects of relevant departments, statutory bodies and state corporations based on the national policies implemented by the government.
• Provide public services falling within the scope of the Ministry in an efficient and public-friendly manner
• Reform all methods and procedures using modern management methods and technology in a manner that helps ensure the fulfillment of the Ministry's duties while avoiding waste and corruption
• Provide the necessary facilities to increase the production of the livestock sector
• Animal welfare and related activities
• Expand the livestock research sector using modern technology and take necessary steps to qualitatively and quantitatively grow the production sector based on its results
• Scientific research to improve the animal population in the livestock sector Promoting breeding methods and protecting and quarantining these animals from diseases

• Encouraging the development of small and medium-scale farms to suit various geographical needs
• Promoting livestock-related products and encouraging exports
• Providing necessary land and investment facilities for the construction of medium and large-scale cattle farms
• Expanding local production and consumption opportunities through the promotion of small and medium-scale producers
• Administration and personnel management of the Sri Lanka Animal Production and Health Service
• Arranging for the cultivation of maize required for animal feed in the country
• All other subjects assigned to the institutions
• Supervision of all institutions

Departments and statutory bodies operating under the purview of the Ministry

• Department of Animal Production and Health
• National Livestock Development Board and Associated Companies
• Milco (Private) Limited
• C/S Mahaweli Livestock Trading Company

Laws and Ordinances Implemented Under the Livestock Sector

• Animal Diseases Act (No. 59 of 1992)
• Animal Feed Act (No. 15 of 1986)
• Animal Quality Act (No. 29 of 1958)
• Veterinary Profession Act (No. 46 of 1956)

3. Major Development Programs Implemented Under the Livestock Sector

Animal Breeding Farm Establishment Program

The primary objective of this program is to increase the population of high-quality cattle and buffalo in the area. Under this, government-owned and private breeding farms are being developed, and research and development activities are being carried out related to cattle breeding using modern technology.

Small and Medium Scale Livestock Development (Infrastructure Development)

The primary objective of this is to develop the infrastructure required for livestock development. Activities such as development of farms owned by the government and government institutions, facilitation of exports of ornamental fish, poultry and eggs, provision of facilities to exporters and new entrepreneurs are being carried out.

Small and Medium Scale Livestock Development (Development Assistance)

Identified farm inputs for small and medium scale dairy cattle, poultry and pig farms are being provided under subsidy.

Goat Development Project under Livelihood Development through Goat Husbandry

Development of goat breeding units in selected government-owned farms and provision of identified farm inputs for private goat farms are being carried out under subsidy.