Plan to ban animal sacrifices at religious festivals

Suraj A. Bandara

The possibility of taking action against animal sacrifices at religious festivals will be explored in Sri Lanka soon, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said.

He was addressing Hindu religious leaders of the Gampaha district at the Gampaha District Secretariat yesterday. The Prime Minister was welcomed in traditional Hindu fashion by Kugeswara Kurukkal, the Chief priest of the Siththivinayagar Kovil of the Negombo district .

The Prime Minister further noted that animal sacrifices will be banned in Sri Lanka.” Animal slaughter is a disgusting sight at religious events,” he said.

“Stern action should be taken against this scandalous behaviour at religious centres”, he said. Hindu religious leaders should take into consideration themselves whether animal sacrifice is acceptable or not in sacred places, he said.

There are two Hindu Kovils in Chilaw where animal sacrifice takes place in public, he revealed.

The Prime Minister said the law that applies to kovils in India will be studied to stop animal sacrifices in Sri Lanka.

He further said there is a bigger role to be played by Hindu religious leaders in regard to the development of Sri Lanka.

All communities should be perceived as one in a united country. “Unless we are united putting aside petty differences, the country will not be developed,” he added. Race , religion and culture is not a barrier at all. We all should be well disciplined. Discipline is the key factor in a country, he said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has set an example as a leader who is devoid of any bias. He treats and respects all communities alike. He has no prejudices or bias against any particular community, he added.