The officials of the Department of Zoology have informed the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera that there is no money to provide daily food to the animals in the Dehiwala Zoo and other zoos.

This was stated by the officials of the Department of Zoology at a discussion held at the Wildlife Department 

Officials at zoos say food shortages are causing severe food shortages due to declining foreign tourist arrivals, lower tourist arrivals due to fuel shortages and rising food prices.

Officials say the money allocated by the government in the budget has also been finalized.

The suppliers who supplied food to the zoos are currently owed Rupees. 59 million and need at least Rupees. 120 million for the rest of this year, officials said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera stated that steps will be taken in consultation with the Treasury to provide the relevant financial allocations.