Budget for year 2017 has allocated Rs. 3,500 million for development projects undertaken by the Wildlife and Sustainable Development Ministry, said Minister Gamini Jayawickreme Perera.

He was addressing a press conference yesterday (24th Nov.) at the Department of Government Information Auditorium.

Further explaining the projects to be implanted next year by the his ministry, he added that Rs. 200,000 will be provided to families of persons who died in elephant attacks while Rs. 75,000 will be provided to those who sustained injuries due to elephant attacks.

“People living in areas vulnerable to elephant attacks will be given equipment and technology to protect themselves. The government will bear the expenses," he said.

In addition, the minister added that Dehiwala Zoo will abolish the caging of animals by March next year while arrangements will be made to provide proper care to the animals. According to him, the Dehiwela Zoo will be open until 9.30 p.m. where the zoo will be promoted as a night park.