Colombo, Jan 16 (IANS): Sri Lankan Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Thursday that he had informed authorities to immediately take measures to halt any forms of animal cruelty in the island country.

In a statement, Rajapaksa said he was shocked to hear animal cruelty incidents reported from some parts of the country, the most recent being the killing of dogs in Nikaweratiya in the North Western province, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I have informed authorities to take any measure and action in order to put an end to these atrocities," the Prime Minster said.

Every year, numerous cases of cruelty towards animals are reported in Sri Lanka, sparking protests by animal welfare groups and concerned citizens.

According to environmental groups, a record number of elephants died in Sri Lanka during 2019, with 85 per cent of the deaths caused by human activity.

Communities had used electric fences, poison and explosives concealed as food to kill the tuskers.

Dozens of elephants are kept in captivity in Sri Lanka to raise income from tourists, while others are forced to march at local festivals.

Animal welfare organizations have called on successive governments to implement harsher laws which will ensure the safety of animals.