Govt. to ban cattle slaughter

• It was an idea mooted a long time ago
• However, beef imports to be allowed

By Kelum Bandara 

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed the ruling party’s parliamentary group yesterday that the government would legislate against cattle slaughter soon, a minister said.  PM had said it was an idea mooted a long time ago, but not made into law.   

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane told Daily Mirror the Prime Minister made this suggestion which was not objected to by any of those present. However, he said there would be no ban on beef imports as a redress to meat eaters. “This is a concern that has existed since the time of nationalist leader Anagarika Dharmapala. No government was able to legislate it,” he said.   

The Prime Minister has taken this decision in his capacity of the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

• This is a concern that has existed since the time of nationalist leader Anagarika Dharmapala. No government was able to legislate it