About Us
History of the Institution and Its Evolution to the Present
The Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) is the premier state organization responsible for providing technical leadership to the livestock industry and its stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
Origins and Establishment
Recognizing the vital importance of the livestock sector in Sri Lanka's socio-economic development, the government that came into power in 1977 established the department in 1978 under the Ministry of Rural Industries.
While functions related to livestock were previously managed under the Department of Agriculture, the DAPH began its independent journey in 1978 with a mission to uplift local livestock entrepreneurs and preserve traditional Sri Lankan identities. Following the introduction of the Provincial Council System in 1987, the department took on a new dimension under the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture. After the formal establishment of Provincial Councils in 1988, the field-level service activities were officially devolved to the Provincial Departments of Animal Production and Health. Today, 332 Divisional Veterinary Offices have been established across the island, serving as the primary operational units of the department.
Evolution in the North Central Province
The North Central Province, comprising the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts, holds a proud heritage where ancient kings ensured that not a single drop of rain was wasted before reaching the sea, thereby flourishing the agricultural way of life.
At its inception, the department covered the entire North Central Province with only 11 Veterinary Offices, a staff of 75 (including 11 Veterinary Officers and 30 Livestock Development Officers). In contrast, the department has significantly expanded to meet modern demands:
- Present Staff Strength: 276 dedicated personnel.
- Current Coverage: 22 Veterinary Divisions in the Anuradhapura District and 07 Veterinary Divisions in the Polonnaruwa District.
- Infrastructure: In 1998, an independent Training Center and Applied Research Institute were established alongside the Thirappane Livestock Development Farm to serve the province.
Impact and Progress
The North Central Province's contribution to the national economy through livestock development has seen exponential growth. In 1990, the department performed approximately 400 artificial inseminations (AI); today, that number has reached nearly 30,000 annually. Furthermore, the province currently contributes approximately 75 million liters of milk per year to the national local milk production.
Despite numerous challenges, the North Central Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health continues to play a monumental role in the country’s development process, driving the livestock sector toward a prosperous future.
Our Vision
A healthy and productive livestock, a prosperous community.
Our Mission
Development of livestock animal products and their productivity, market and related environmental protection with proper participation and transparency of all stakeholders.
STRUCTUTE
Our Internal Services
Administrative Division
- Duties related to Personal Files (All functions from initial recruitment to retirement)
- Registration for W.&O.P. (Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension)
- Efficiency Bar (EB) Examinations
- Confirmation of Service
- Granting Promotions
- Granting Salary Increments
- Preparation of Salary Conversions
- Transfers
- Retirement-related functions
- Postal and Correspondence-related duties
- Leave-related duties
- Recruitment of officers/employees for vacant positions
- Duties related to the creation of new posts
- Agrahara Insurance matters
- Training-related duties
- Preparation of Monthly / Quarterly reports
- Assignment of duties 10. Election-related duties
- Duties related to Lands / Official Quarters / Telephone / Water / Electricity / Rates / Newspapers / Overtime
- General/Administrative matters
Accounts Division
- Procurement / Purchasing
- Constructions
- Preparation of Salaries
- Stores-related duties
- Board of Survey (Goods/Asset survey) duties
- Checking of Vouchers
- Payment-related functions
- Vehicle-related duties
- Preparation of Annual Estimates
- Preparation of Appropriation Account
- Preparation of Advance Account ‘B’
- Commercial Advance Account matters
- Preparation of Account Summaries
- Expenditure Ledger duties
- Cash Book duties
- Responding to Audit Queries
Development Division
- Preparation of the Annual Development Plan
- Preparation of Project Reports
- Implementation of relevant projects
- Supervision and Evaluation of projects
- Performance-related duties
- Preparation and updating of the Departmental Database
- Preparation of reports and timely submissi
Our External Services
Responsibility: veterinary surgeon
- Technical Guidance : Farm development advice, technical knowledge sharing, farmer training programs, and preparation of extension reports.
- Insurance & Financial support : Animal insurance service, valuation of animal, and providing recommendations for livestock project loans.
- Market & community Development : Operating livestock societies, encouraging animal products, market advertising / promotion, and sale of livestock publication.
- Laboratory & Support : Laboratory testing services and supporting livestock activities conducted by other institutions
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Services Provided by Veterinary Offices
01. Animal Treatment and Health Services
Service Provided
Service Standards (Timeframe)
Relevant Regulations / Fees / Requirements
Responsible Officer & Location
i. Pets
8.30 AM to 10.30 AM
Fees charged as per circular
Veterinary Officer (Office)
ii. Farm Animals
8.30 AM to 3.45 PM
Government rates apply
Veterinary Officer (Office/Field)
iii. Epidemic Disease Control
May to July & Nov to December
Implemented at the farm level
Veterinary Officer (Field)
iv. Issuing Animal Healt Certificates
Within 05 working days
LKR 50/- per animal (Schedule 02), Request letter
Veterinary Officer (Field/Office)
v. Post-Mortem Examinations
During office opening hours
Fees applicable
Veterinary Officer (Office/Field)
02. Animal Breeding Services
Service Provided
Service Standards (Timeframe)
Fees / Location
Responsible Officer
i. Artificial Insemination (AI)
During working days of the week
LKR 250/- per service
Livestock Development Officer (LDI)
ii. Pregnancy Diagnosis
Within 05 working days
Implemented at the field level
Veterinary Officer (Field)
iii. Breeding Projects (HCR/BCR)
Every Wednesday
Implemented at the farm level
Veterinary Officer / LDI
iv. Castration
Within 05 working days
Implemented at the field level
Livestock Development Officer (LDI)
03. Extension and Other Services
Service Provided
Service Standards (Timeframe)
Fees / Documents Required
Responsible Officer & Location
i. Farm Registration
During office hours
Office registration process
LDI (Office)
ii. Ear Notching / Tagging
Within 05 working days
LKR 20/- per animal
LDI (Field)
iii. Management Consultancy
Within 05 working days
Free of charge
Veterinary Officer / LDI
iv. Farmer Training
On scheduled working days
Free of charge
Veterinary Officer / LDI
v. Preparation of Project Reports
On planned dates
Free of charge
LDO (Office)
vi. Vehicle Standards Certificates (Transport)
During office hours
Vehicle Registration Certificate (Free)
Veterinary Officer (Office)
vii. Animal Insurance Certificates
Within 05 working days
Free of charge
Veterinary Officer (Office/Field)
viii. Support for Animal Sales
During office hours
Schedule 06, NIC of buyer and seller
Veterinary Officer (Office)
ix. Bank Loan Recommendations
Within 07 working days
Request letter, Statements of buyer/seller
Veterinary Officer (Field)
x. Sale of Livestock Publications
During office hours
As per marked price
Veterinary Officer / LDI
xi. Animal Production Encouragement
During office hours
Free of charge
Veterinary Officer / LDI
xii. Valuation of Animals
Within 05 working days
Request letter (Free of charge)
Veterinary Officer / LDI (Field)
Our Team
Welcome to the heart of financial stewardship at Department of Provincial Treasury. Our Treasury team is dedicated to ensuring sound financial management, risk mitigation, and strategic planning for the success of all government organizations in North Central. Get to know the professionals who manage and safeguard our financial resources.
U.S.Arunaravi Deputy Chief Secretary (Finance)
R.P. Kamithra Director (Accounts & Payments)
U.S. Pushpakanthi Director (Budget)
N.Rathnayaka Director(Finance)
I.M.A.T. Dissanayaka Assistant Sec.(Finance)
J.S. Walakuluarachchi ICT Officer
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