Minister's intervention stops animal sacrifices

Chaminda PERERA

Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister Dr. Mervyn Silva yesterday intervened and stopped the annual sacrifice of animals at the final day festival of the Munneswaran Kali Amman Kovil.

This practice had been going on for generations despite protests by people of all faiths. Minister Silva reached the Kovil, when animals were lined up for sacrifice at the Kovil premises, and ordered that the animals be sent to the Chilaw Police station in tractors.

Over 14 goats and 21 chickens were brought to the Chilaw Police and kept in Chilaw Police custody. A number of animals were reportedly slaughtered at the Munneswaran Kovil before the minister arrived, despite a court order suspending animal sacrifices temporarily.

The Kovil trustee had announced that the ritual of animal sacrifice had been continuing for centuries and the Kovil had planned to hold this age old tradition this year too.

However, Chilaw Senior Superintendent of Police R.A.D.K. Ranasinghe told the Daily News that no such incidents took place at the Munneswaran Kovil.