Local milk consumption:

'Attitudes should change' - Livestock Development Minister

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The problems faced by veterinary surgeons and the future development of the livestock and milk production industry were discussed at the annual meeting of the State Veterinary Surgeons' Association held at Sausiripaya, Colombo recently.

Livestock Development Minister C.B. Ratnayake said, "We know that veterinary surgeons render a great service to uplift the livestock field. It is our duty to create a good demand for them. Sometimes they have to face dangerous situations when they treat animals. Treating an animal is not an easy task.

"So we are going to conduct a special program to reduce the number of accidents facing veterinary surgeons and provide compensation for them."

He said, "According to a report from a milk powder producing company 100 percent of Sri Lankans consume local milk daily. But however they buy imported milk powders.

"I always try to change the attitudes of the people. Though people like to drink local milk their minds refuse it.

"They think that it is not suitable for their family background. We are going to take all measures to produce 50 percent of target in milk production before Year 2015."

Livestock Development Ministry Secretary Sunimal Senaratne, Animal Production and Health Department Director Swarna Herath, State Veterinary Surgeons' Association Chairman K.K. Sarath and other members of the association were also present on the occasion.