Sri Lanka Plans First-Ever Monkey Detention Centre in Matale

Sri Lanka to Launch Pilot Monkey Detention Centre in Matale

Sri Lanka is set to establish its first-ever monkey detention centre in the Matale District as part of a pilot project aimed at managing urban monkey populations while preserving wildlife in natural habitats.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has selected a site near the Kaluganga Reservoir for the centre, which will span approximately 150 acres and include facilities for food, water, and security. The plan has been approved by the Matale District Development Committee and comes in response to ongoing conflicts between humans and monkeys in town areas.

According to Wildlife Conservation Officer Chamath Lakshman Perera, monkeys living within Matale’s protected areas will remain undisturbed, while those causing disturbances in urban zones will be carefully captured and relocated to the new facility. “The centre will be designed with strong safety measures to prevent monkeys from escaping, and the area already provides natural food sources, supplemented as needed,” Perera explained.

In a move to manage population growth, female monkeys at the centre will undergo a procedure involving a small loop implant in the uterus, preventing pregnancy and helping control the local monkey population.

Perera also revealed plans to eventually establish nine monkey detention centres across Sri Lanka’s provinces, noting that relocating monkeys between regions can be challenging due to differing climates.

The project in Matale will serve as a research pilot, providing insights for future wildlife management initiatives. Perera highlighted that similar centres are already in operation in countries like Malaysia, demonstrating the effectiveness of controlled relocation and population management strategies.