A Historical Approach to Social Responsibility for Animal Welfare in Sri Lanka

This study uses a historical approach to examine social responsibility for animal welfare. It aims to explore ancient Sri Lanka’s methods of promoting animal welfare, the role of rulers and legal systems, the adoption of these strategies in modern contexts, their practicality, and how ancient practices can be applied today to enhance contemporary animal welfare efforts. To obtain the necessary data, information was gathered through both primary and secondary sources. Qualitative research was used in this study. Ancient humans gradually promoted animal protection by using good methods not only for humans but also for domesticated animals. The laws, advanced medical methods, and local knowledge that humans have acquired since the beginning of Sri Lankan human civilization were instrumental in this. With the arrival of Mahinda Thero and Duminda Thero, which were a unique turning point in the country, there was a systematic and organized nature in the social, economic, cultural, and political sectors that existed before. With this development, a civilization emerged that was harmonious and prosperous between man and nature. Accordingly, it is seen that the past rulers and citizens, based on the Buddhist words of ‘Arogya Parama Labha Santutthi Parama Dhanam’, gave priority to the promotion of health for both humans and animals. In this way, it can be concluded that the strategies adopted for animal protection in ancient Sri Lanka had a strong impact on the protection of the animal system in this country, and that even though some of the past strategies cannot be used in the same way under their practical conditions, they are extremely important strategies in the contemporary era.