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Cattle released to mark Vesak

by Sarath Malalasekera

One hundred cattle who were to be slaughtered were released on Vesak Poya Day at a ceremony held at the Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo with the participation of several diplomats and a distinguished gathering.

Several artificial limbs were also distributed among the soldiers who lost their legs during the war.

Ven. Rajakeeya Panditha Weligama Gnanaratana Nayake Thera delivered the anusasana.

Sambodhi Viharadhipathi Ven. Dharanagama Kusaladhamma Thera addressing the gathering including the devotees who had observed 'sil' said that The Buddha preaching on 'Abhaya Dana' has clearly shown in the Awkana Buddha's statue, by the way the hand is placed.

Ven Kusaladhamma Thera said that all fears amongst all living beings and animals were put off with the noble virtues of Meththa-Muditha-Karuna and Upeksha. The fact that Lord Buddha extolled these virtues for practice amongst all human beings with compassion drives the point that the word fear was never in his mind. Hence, on a Vesak Poya Day we are all gathered to drive away the fear that would have been caused to these helpless animals.

Ven. Kusaladhamma Thera asked the gathering 'Can you ever think of killing animals that have fed you like a mother, with milk? The answer is surely NO. The cattle help human beings. Do they deserve to be slaughtered for our own feasting, Ven. Kusaladhamma Thera asked.

These animals released will be handed over to the poor farmers in the Nuwara Eliya district, Ven. Kusladhamma Thera said.

Royal Thai Ambassador in Sri Lanka Jerm Tivayanond, Ambassador of Myanmar in Sri Lanka U. Than Tun, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, PC, Colombo DIG Bodhi Liyanage, Ms. Soma Edirisinghe of the EAP Group of Companies, Joint Operation General Rohan Daluwatta and HNB Managing Director Rienzie Wijetilleke were among the guests.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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