Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunarathne revealed the cost of the animal census conducted earlier this year.
He said the survey was conducted to gain a proper understanding of crop-damaging animals for a scientific policy response.
Denying claims that the project cost exceeded Rs. 70 million, the Deputy Minister released an official cost breakdown. The total cost of the census was Rs. 3.916 million, the deputy minister said.
According to the official report, the census has revealed the following animal populations
• Toque Monkeys: 5.19 million (5197517)
• Langur Monkeys: 1.75 million (1747623)
• Peacocks: 4.28 million (4285745)
• Dandu Lena (Giant Squirrel): 2.67 million (2666630)
