About Us - Animal Welfare and Protection Association

The Animals’ Welfare and Protection Association (AWPA) was formed and registered under the Companies’ Ordinance in 1963 by a small group of animal lovers, concerned by the distressing conditions that stray animals are subject to in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, the Association was certified as a voluntary organization under the Voluntary Social Service Organization Act No. 31 of 1980.

AWPA Committee Members

All our committee members serve on a voluntary basis amidst their professional and personal lives!

Ms. Iromi Salgado (President)
Mrs. Hemantha Jayatilaka (Immediate Past President)
Mrs. Lalanthi Wijewardene (Vice President)
Ms. Shiona Weerasekera (Secretary)
Mr. Gamini Wimalasuriya (Treasurer)
Ms. Ainthie Rajapakse (Assistant Treasurer)
Mrs. Neelika Tillekeratne (Assistant Secretary)
Mr. Ranjith Samarasinghe
Mr. Denesh Silva
Mrs. Manel Jayasekera
Mr. Asoka Weerasekera
Ms. Chrishanthi Emmanue
Ms. Sadhana Vikrantha
Mrs. Samanthika De Silva
Mr. Dinesh Pathirana

Organisational Goals

To ensure the sustainability of the shelters and optimal use of the available resources.
To facilitate adoption of homeless animals and promote responsible pet ownership
To prevent unwanted cat and dog litters through sterilization.
To promote public interest in the welfare and protection of animals.
To eradicate rabies through control of the stray dog population.

Organisational Policies

Sterilisation is the only humane solution to reduce the population of unwanted dogs and cats
Provision of comfortable and safe shelters is important as transit homes for animals awaiting rehoming; for rehabilitation of injured animals; for caring of old and hearing/vision impaired animals which cannot survive as strays; and to house fierce animals which are a threat to the local community.
Develop public awareness on animal welfare through education.
Recognise and respect the rights of all animals to live free
Safeguard and campaign for the rights and interests of all animals.