Before 2000, there was a rise in rabies cases across Sri Lanka due to dog bites, affecting many human lives. The country considered using easier, inhumane dog population control methods to mitigate the situation. As veterinarians and animal lovers, we could not accept such a fate for man’s best friend.

In 2000, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara and Dr. Udaya Wijayawardana began the VETS FOR FUTURE organization to improve animal welfare and public health. VETS FOR FUTURE started small, with only a few people conducting mobile vet services. Within a couple of years, the organization grew, attracting like-minded individuals who shared the same goal of improving animal welfare and human health.

With expanded operations, we carried out onsite treatments, vaccinations, and sterilizations, and we sought to make a meaningful difference. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for a transformative initiative in Sri Lanka’s fight against rabies and our commitment to humane animal population control.

In 2006, we took a significant step forward by co-founding the National Rabies Eradication and Humane Animal Population Control Program in collaboration with local animal welfare organizations. Believing deeply in the importance of our vision, we presented the concept to the then Minister of Health. Encouraged by the success of our pilot project, the Ministry of Health supported us in launching the program as a national initiative in 2008.

Our work has achieved significant milestones. We have personally conducted 93,000 sterilizations, and as a team, we have reached over 1 million dogs and cats through sterilizations and vaccinated approximately 1.3 million animals against rabies. These numbers reflect not just our dedication but also the tangible results of our mission.

Before we began, Sri Lanka faced over 60 human deaths from rabies annually. Today, thanks to sustained efforts, that number has been reduced to 20–30. It is an achievement we are proud of, but it also motivates us to continue our work to bring this number even lower. Recognizing the importance of our work, the Ministry of Health appointed us as the emergency response team for rabies eradication and population control, a responsibility we carry with great honor.

Over the years, we also focused heavily on training and capacity building to sustain the program’s impact, sharing our knowledge and experience in the field. Together, we trained more than 130 veterinary surgeons, 300 veterinary assistants, dog handlers, and over 70 vaccinators. Many of these skilled professionals now work in various programs and clinics not only across Sri Lanka but also in countries like the United States and Australia, spreading the impact of our efforts far beyond our borders.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at rabies eradication programs. We fund outreach activities in rural areas, contributing a portion of our monthly salaries to make human and animal lives better. Every month we conduct special programs to reach rural communities. Some of the special programs we conduct are such as free dog care clinics, animal welfare awareness programs, animal feeding programs, etc.

As we reflect on our 25-year service, we are humbled by the journey we’ve undertaken. Our efforts have not only saved lives but also fostered a more compassionate and sustainable approach to animal welfare and public health. This is our story, and we are committed to continuing this mission for a better future for both humans and animals.