Defense State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon's assertion in Parliament concerning the stray dog population in the country has been met with dispute by veterinary experts. Advisor to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, has labeled the claim baseless, emphasizing the lack of accurate data supporting the Minister's statement.

The State Minister cited a figure of 6.2 million stray dogs across the nation, citing issues in tourist areas like Sigiriya. However, Dr. Nanayakkara countered this, stating that the current dog population stands at less than 2.1 million, with only a fraction being stray dogs. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of various organizations and the government in sterilization programs, significantly reducing the stray dog population over the years.

Moreover, Dr. Nanayakkara criticized the Minister's remarks regarding Sigiriya, mentioning the systematic control and vaccination efforts implemented in the area. He also raised concerns about the lack of allocated funds for continued sterilization programs, despite previous allocations. The doctor further noted the reluctance of certain Health Ministry officers to collaborate with animal welfare organizations in conducting sterilization surgeries.