The Southern Provincial Animal Production and Health Department, operating as a government entity, assumes the pivotal role of offering technical guidance to various stakeholders for the advancement of livestock within the province. Under the governance of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Production and Development, Environment, Rural Industries, Electricity, and Rural and Estate Infrastructure Development, this department serves as a public institution committed to delivering optimal and satisfactory public services. Spanning the three districts of Galle, Matara, and Hambantota, the department oversees a network of 48 sub-institutions, strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate effectively.

In 1988, our department, which had been engaged in Animal Production and Health services under the central government, was transferred to the Southern Province Animal Production and Health Department along with its functions and responsibilities.

At present, this department operates its services with more focus on the aspects of planning, implementation and management of animal breeding activities, fodder resource development, animal disease control and treatment, extension and training activities, animal product market promotion, livestock special projects, and implementation of acts and regulations related to the livestock sector.

Regional Veterinary offices are the main functional units of the Department of Animal Production and Health. In addition to the Veterinary Surgeons, Livestock Development Instructors of the Department are employed as Skilled Technical Persons to provide services at the field level.

To provide the services of the department, 43 veterinary offices under a veterinary officer have been established in the southern province at the divisional secretariat level. In addition, Kekanadura Animal Farm and Kekanadura Animal Husbandry Training Center has been set up to Demonstrate and provide technical training.